The barnyard activity is really picking up around here. The
chicks are getting bigger and are able to fly very short distances. They’ve
been able to enjoy a nice dust bath while spending a few hours in their chicken
run and they’ve snacked on dried meal worms. During that time Daisy was
enjoying her time on the back porch, Rooster was staring at the chickens while
the humans made sure no one ate anyone else.
One thing hasn’t changed in the past few weeks, these high temps.
Mother Nature doesn’t realize it’s still spring time. Instead she has flung us
into mid-June temps. The hot, humid air is perfumed with Honeysuckle as we
spend our evenings in rocking chairs, sipping wine and watching the fireflies
light up our woods. Last night we enjoyed sampling Waterstone Careneros Chardonnay
2009.
Nose was a little tight but began to open up after a few
minutes in the glass. Soft aromas of peach with fruit flavors consisting of pear,
green apple and more peach. Finish is delicate with a nice balance of acidity
and fruit.
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Carneros
Alcohol: 14.6%
TA: 0.66 g/100ml
pH: 3.42
Oak Aging: 11 months
Oak Cooperage: French oak
SRP: $18.99
Appellation: Carneros
Alcohol: 14.6%
TA: 0.66 g/100ml
pH: 3.42
Oak Aging: 11 months
Oak Cooperage: French oak
SRP: $18.99
The 2009 growing season was mild and cool. Lack of rain,
frost and high temps allowed the grapes to hang on the vine for an extended
time. Allowing the grapes to mature on the vine provided forward fruits with
mature flavors and well structured tannins.
The Carneros soils are dense and shallow with an abundance
of clay. These soil conditions provide low yields but the growing season is
extended due to the maritime climate. The 2009 vintage was sourced from three
Carneros vineyards; the Rodgers Creek Vineyards in northwestern Carneros, the
Wilson Vineyard in the heart of the Carneros appellation and the Truchard
Vineyard in northeastern Carneros.
Waterstone Winery formed in 2000 as collaboration between
veteran winemaker Philip Zorn and longtime wine executive Brent Shortridge. The
goal was to produce luxury wines at affordable prices. Wanting to focus on the
winemaking versus the vineyards, the pair does not own the vineyards or the
equipment used to make the wine. They lean on committed relationships with
growers, since it’s not the winemaker that makes the wine good, it’s the
quality grapes that are critical to any winery’s success.
As I type this from the couch I’m flanked by Daisy on one
side and Rooster on the other. Looks like we’ve finally convinced these two
it’s better to co-exist then to live separately.
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