I love trying new wines. I recently received two wines from Waterstone Winery to try; the 2008 Waterstone Napa Valley Merlot and the 2009 Waterstone Carneros Chardonnay.
I enjoyed sipping on both wines, as well as pairing them with dinner. Both Waterstone wines are great values.
Waterstone Carneros Chardonnay
Appellation: Carneros, CA
Cost: $18 (Can be purchased at Wine.com)
I enjoyed the apple, pear and white floral notes of this wine. There were also nice tropical, pineapple notes as well. This Chardonnay is aged in French oak for 11 months so it definitely has a touch of vanilla. However, this Chardonnay is pretty well balanced. It is crisp with nice acidity but also has a little of that creamy, oaky Chardonnay flavor.
Pairing Suggestions: Chicken, Seafood, Roasted Salmon, Pork Chops/Tenderloin, Smoked Turkey
Waterstone Napa Valley Merlot
Appellation: Napa Valley
Cost: $18
This is a rich, black fruit dominated Merlot wine. Black cherries, plum, and black currants are accompanied by a tobacco, smoky note for a lingering finish. Aged in French oak for 21 months gives this wine vanilla and toasty oak notes. This is a very nice food friendly Merlot.
Pairing Suggestions: Grilled Chicken, Chicken Parmesan, Pasta with Red Sauce, Pork Chops, and Minestrone Soup. (This would be a great pairing with my Minestrone Soup! Click here for the recipe!)
{Disclosure: I was provided with wine from Waterstone Winery PR Firm, Folsom & Associates to write this review. All statements and opinions expressed in this article are my own.}
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