We are currently experiencing some much needed rain, after an almost record breaking dry February. It was cold during the month, but the low temperatures did not appear to cause much frost damage. Bud break is starting and the vines will be susceptible for weeks ahead.
In the winery Melissa and crew are seeing the wines finish fermentation, putting them in barrel, while bottling for custom crush clients. Our 2017 Russian River Valley Rose of Pinot Noir has been available in the Tasting Room and is getting rave reviews; and our 2017 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc is being released to our national markets.
In the Tasting Room Kaitlyn and her gang are gearing up for the weekend’s annual Barrel Tasting. This year we will offer samples of two single vineyard Pinot Noirs from the 2017 vintage: the Skikos Vineyard and the Dutton Winkler Vineyard. The Skikos Vineyard is located in the Santa Rosa Plain area of the Russian River Valley; characterized by low elevation, clay based soils, and warm days moderated by fog. This microclimate leads to wines of attractive silkiness. The Dutton Winkler Vineyard is located in the Green Valley Appellation, the coolest and foggiest region in the Russian River Valley. The predominant soil is called Goldridge Soil which has excellent drainage and low fertility, resulting in wines of intense fruit. These wines will be released separately next year.
After that we start gearing up for another tourist season. The number of visitors to the area has increased over the last couple of months, indicating our wine country is at least economically starting to recover from the last fall’s devastating fires.
Come join us as we salute yet another year in Sonoma County’s fabulous Russian River Valley.
Cheers!
Mike Tierney
President, Taft Street Winery