In this time of multi-million dollar vineyard estates and celebrity winemaking consultants, when it seems that financial backing has replaced skill as the key success in enology, it is rare that a simple idea can give birth to wines that stand out for flavour and balance, rather than pedigree alone. A collaboration between veteran winemaker Philip Zorn and longtime wine executive Brent Shortridge, Waterstone Winery was formed in 2000 when the two men were introduced and discovered a shared interest in creating luxury wines at affordable prices. Bringing together their previously established relationships with Napa Valley growers and vintners, the pair set out to develop balanced wines of varietal character through intelligent sourcing. Preferring to focus on the wine itself rather than the accumulation of land and facilities, Zorn and Shortridge own no vineyards themselves, nor do they own the facility where their wines are made. Dedicated winemaking, strong relationships with top growers and long-term grape contracts are the keys to Waterstone’s quality and success.
The Chardonnay grapes for this wine were grown in the Carneros region, where soils are dense, shallow, of low to moderate fertility, and high in clay content. While the soils lead to low yields, the region’s maritime climate allows a longer growing season; the end result is balanced colour, flavour and acidity in the harvested grapes. This Chardonnay is produced from two vineyards: the Vallejo Vineyard in northwestern Carneros and the Truchard Vineyard in northeastern Carneros. Both vineyards are under long-term contracts, providing consistency from vintage to vintage.
On offer this week is the 2013 Waterstone Chardonnay. This producer is a shining example of what can be accomplished in the wine business without a huge capital expenditure. All you need it seems is a good idea, a long-term source of top quality fruit, a talented winemaker making consistently superior wines, and a passion to succeed – simple, right? Despite the sharp rise in prices of California wines due to the drop in the value of the Loonie, this wine still represents tremendous value as the wine reviews below attest.
The 2013 Waterstone Chardonnay is available for immediate delivery. We only have 30 cases of this mouth-watering Chardonnay available. To order please e-mail or call Geoff at 416-463-4677.
2013 Waterstone Chardonnay
$32.00 btl / $384.00 cs (case of 12 x 750ml)
This Chardonnay features bright, concentrated citrus, pear, green apple and nectarine fruit, with nicely balanced oak adding richness to the palate. The wine lingers on the
palate, and has the structure and acidity to provide for good longevity.
Drink: Now – 2020
Food Pairing: Fish, seafood, white meat, salad
Accolades:
“This is a floral, zesty and vibrant white wine, given six months in French oak, half of it new. With a complex hit of briny salt and citrus, it flirts between layers of savory and sweet, finding just the right balance of structure and acidity.” Wine Enthusiast Magazine, April 2016 91 points
“Bright and juicy with racy acidity and creamy tropical fruit; fresh and showing vanilla and toasty oak; fresh, dense and balanced.” Anthony Dias Blue, The Tasting Panel, September 2015, 90 points