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Dear Norman & Traudl,
It is certainly Spring around here. The vineyard is growing like crazy
and the days are longer and warmer. Norman is being a typical farmer and
worrying about the weather, and Traudl's thoughts are turning to lighter
meals and outdoor grilling. Which all says to us - time for some
Chardonnay!
Welcome to our latest newsletter. If you do not want
to receive the newsletter, or want to change the email address we send it
to, or you know someone who would also like to receive it, please follow
the links at the end of this page.
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Springtime Is Chardonnay Season |
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Now that we are enjoying warmer temperatures, longer days filled with
sunshine and fresh produce, it is certainly a perfect season for
Chardonnay. Our Huber Estate grown Chardonnay has typical Santa Rita Hills
characteristics -- a lean minerality, tangy flavors of honeydew melon and
pear, with a taste of the sea on the finish. We wouldn't say that our
Chardonnay is a typical California version -- it is more European. It is
very crisp and refreshing, and true to its varietal nature.
We're also firing up the grill this time of year, and spending time out
on the patio watching the vines grow. Although Chardonnay pairs well with
many foods -- fish, chicken, cheese dishes -- we also like to just sip a
glass and watch the world go by. Join Us!
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FREE FREE FREE!! |
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During the month of May, shipping is absolutely free for all
2002 Chardonnay. While supplies last, so get some today. You deserve a
treat!
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A Perfect Match with Huber Chardonnay |
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This recipe from Traudl's Kitchen actually comes from the Huber's
daughter Karen. It pairs beautifully with the Chardonnay and is an fast,
simple recipe for grilled halibut. Delicious!
*3 Tablespoons Dry White Wine
*3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
*3
Tablespoons Olive Oil
*1 Tablespoon chopped Rosemary
*4 Fresh
Halibut Steaks (6 oz each)
*Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper
Whisk
together the wine, lemon juice, olive oil and rosemary in a small shallow
baking dish. Add the halibut and turn to coat. Marinate in the fridge for
one hour, turning once.
Preheat the grill! Remove the fish from the
marinade and season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill the halibut
steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until desired doneness.
Enjoy!
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The Beginning of a New Vintage! |
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It is that very exciting time of year when the vineyard awakens from
its winter dormancy and welcomes a new vintage. We had "bud break" a few
weeks early this year, and we are on the cusp of "bloom" - that part of
the vines growth cycle when the tiny clusters produce miniscule flowers
and self- pollinate. (Can you see the new clusters in the photo?) The
vineyard is beautiful right now!
It is also a nerve-wracking time in the vineyard. We're finally over
our "frost watch", but we now worry about heavy rains or strong winds
during bloom. A good bloom will result in a good "set", which will
determine our crop size for the 2005 vintage. So, do us a favor and cross
your fingers and toes!
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Hope to See You Soon |
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If you're visiting the Santa Rita Hills area of our Santa Ynez Valley,
give us a call. We'd love to have you visit. And stay tuned for more news
from the vineyard, and upcoming futures of the 04 Dornfelder!
Norman & Traudl
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