By this time of year, the flowers have bloomed and set fruit, and the vines are over half the distance they need to grow for a full canopy, which is usually about 40 inches tall.  Quality minded growers seek a canopy that’s reasonably full, but that you can see through just a little.  If there are many leaves that are shaded in the interior of the canopy, it’s a waste of plant energy because those leaves aren’t helping to ripen fruit.  They’re just sitting there, like a bump on a log, as my good mother says on occasion.

Don’t forget we often have sandwiches, wraps, salads and cookies for a fun lunch alternative.  Enclosed are your Wine Club bottles.  This month’s wines for the Dry Choice Colorado Wine Club are:

Holy Cross Abbey Syrah

Here is another example of a big Colorado Syrah, along the lines of the Stone Cottage version.  The fruit came from the same vineyards, run by Talbot Farms.  Fairly high alcohol, nice ripe flavors of dark meated fruit, and a rich texture.  There’s also a fair oak component, adding a smokey dimension that’s quite intriguing.

Cougar Run 2003 Chardonnay

This wine has been a pillar of our tasting lineup for quite some time.  It was fermented and aged in stainless steel, so it shows fruit characters a little more readily than its barrel fermented and aged peers.  Medium light bodied with notes of pears, pineapple and a hint of almond extract.  The wine is very drinkable, especially on a hot summer afternoon.  Great, long finish.

As always, enjoy the wines in good health!

 Sincerely,

Glenn & Natalie Foster