We publish a newsletter twice a year to discuss Mayacamas happenings and announce new wine releases. Below is the September, 2009 edition. To view our other newsletters, click here.
Vol. II No. 85
September, 2009
Well, this newsletter is not being written by the next generation scribe. He is wandering the blue planet, as is his wont, and the last generation is back in the saddle. Hang on for a bumpy ride as the old guy is a little out of practice.
Another early (read, nowadays normal) spring budbreak was followed by extensive cool weather in June. Summer heat in early July gave way to moderate weather mid-month. We’ll take all the latter we can get through harvest, both for the grapes and the people. Cross all fingers until October (?) please.
The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon is now available. We characterize it as classic Mayacamas Cabernet, with lots of aging potential. Bright and vibrant, it reminds us of cherries, bramble and a bit of mint. Fun drinking for its intensity now, a few more years will give it the texture and complexity we strive for.
Our 2006 Chardonnay and 2006 Sauvignon Blanc are also still available and they continue to develop as we hoped.
The 2004 Chardonnay is now our library white wine. Deep, rich and well balanced, it is fully evolved. Suggestions of cantaloupe, honeycomb and orange peel are in evidence. Our 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon is also available as a library re-release. This vintage is developing much to our liking. Its rich, smooth bouquet and flavors please us now and will continue to for many years as it develops further. The other library selection is the 1999 Merlot. For those of you not particularly enamored with California Merlot we might suggest you give this one a try. We think you will be very pleasantly surprised.
Another copy of our Wine Club sign-up form is enclosed for those who missed this golden opportunity on its initial offering this spring. Response has been very favorable and we are enjoying seeing the Club grow. You can also print the form from www.mayacamas.com.
Economic pessimism is wide-spread these days and surely the times are trying. We remain optimistic about the future but the present difficulties do remind me of the old story about the man grumbling to his friend about his troubles. The friend said, “cheer up, things could be worse,” and the man recounted later how he cheered up and sure enough, things got worse.
Cheers,
Bob Travers