Waterstone Careneros Chardonnay 2009

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

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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Waterstone Study in Blue, Napa Valley Red Blend 2007

Ever feel like you’ve bitten off a little more than you can chew? This week I’m designing a new website, finishing two Adult Ed courses, beginning two more, trying to get a jump on the next three blogs and getting ready for my in-laws visit beginning next week. I’m starting to feel just a tiny bit stressed, ok I’m feeling a little more than just a tiny bit, I may just get to full blown panic mode in the next four days. It’s enough to make anyone turn to drink! My choice of course would be wine and I would turn to Waterstone Study in Blue, Napa Valley Red Blend 2007.

Blueberry jam, oak and tobacco on the nose. Flavors of black pepper, blackberry and plum combine with well structured tannins and fine acidity. This is a wine that will lift your spirits after a stressful day at the office or in my case the homestead. Priced at $45 it is what I would consider a special occasion wine. But like I say a special occasion can be anything you want; it’s Friday, the in-laws are here, the in-laws are leaving, you get the picture.

Varietal - 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah, 10% Merlot
Appellation - Napa Valley
Alcohol - 14.8%
TA -0.61 g/100ml
pH - 3.75
Oak Aging - 24 months
Oak Cooperage - French oak, 80% new
Production - 1,050 cases
SRP - $45

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 (obviously their wallets are a little deeper than mine). 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 key to any winery’s success.

I do apologize for the short blog this week and the next two will be short as well. As I explained above the next three weeks are a bit hectic. But stay tuned, my husband is working on our chicken coop and we should have peeps a little after Easter!

If you would like to send samples for my review, please contact me at kstargaard@yahoo.com.

2012© Kellie Stargaard.  All Rights Reserved.

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