After what appeared to be a classic year of warm, dry weather Mother Nature threw us a curve ball by the way of a big time heat wave. Ripening sped up, grape clusters shriveled, cool weather slowed things down – typical fall craziness. Now in the first week of October and with a flood of red grapes due over the next few days, we expect to see the bulk of our production fermenting by week’s end. The good news is there is no rain in sight and the quality of the grapes seems to be high.
Last night we attended the 43rd annual Awards Night at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair. As usual, we did quite well. The Taft Street 2016 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc was awarded a DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL; the Taft Street 2014 Alexander Valley Merlot also won a DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL; the 2015 Taft Street Russian River Valley Chardonnay Garagistes won a GOLD MEDAL; THE 2015 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Garagistes won a GOLD MEDAL; and the 2016 Russian River Valley Pinot Gris also won a GOLD MEDAL. Like I said, not a bad night. Let it also be known that the sweepstakes award for white wine went to a Chardonnay by Guy Davis, our consulting oenologist.
October is indeed a special time in wine country, particularly when the grapes are safely in tanks and barrels. Our wine club party is scheduled for October 8th, which leaves the rest of the month with few crowds, gorgeous weather and wonderful wines to be sampled. Come join us in what for us is a favorite time of year.
Cheers!
Mike Tierney
President, Taft Street Winery