The Winter Olympics are done, the Russian River Wine Road’s Barrel Tasting is here, the vineyards and orchards have been pruned, the spring garden has been planted, the fruit trees are abloom, the reservoirs are full (very good news), St. Patrick’s Day is approaching, as is March Madness – we are definitely coming out of winter.
In the winery the pace remains measured. Client bottling has continued, as has topping and overall care of the wines. As the weather warms up blending trials will begin for bottling of the 2009 white wines later this spring.
In the press Taft Street continues to garnish boffo reviews. The latest edition of CONNOISSEURS’ GUIDE TO CALIFORNIS WINES (FEBRUARY 2010) has this to say about our 2008 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc:
“Fragrant and fruity with a deft trim of fresh grass to its ongoing theme of kiwi and green melon, this rounded and accessible wine is enlivened by nicely fit acid with nary a hint of coarseness at any point. It is a little too rich and lacks quite the right bite to complement oysters, but its generous fruit directs it to service with flavorful dishes like salmon. 89 points (one puff)”
On the street we have been moving at full throttle. Aside from getting ready for Barrel Tasting these first two weekends, we will be on the road. Laurie will work the Southern California market next week, and will pour our wine at the opening of the new Total Wine and More store in Las Vegas. Mike Martini will visit New Hampshire and I’ll be in the New York market later this month.
In the Tasting Room Kaitlyn and company are getting ready for the crowds that make up Barrel Tasting – the first two weekends in March. This year we have bottled two 2008 Pinot Noirs – a Mendocino County and a Sonoma County – and bottled them with our original (think 1982) label. We will offer them to our visitors during Barrel Tasting, and will later have the wines available online. Stay tuned.
It’s easy to keep up with the goings on at Taft Street. In addition to the monthly State of the Street, you can receive our weekly email, monthly blog, monthly “Conversation with Evelyn,” and follow our Facebookand Twitter sites. Start at www.taftststaging.wpengine.com
Hope to see you at Barrel Tasting.
Cheers,
Mike Tierney
President, Taft Street Winery