Just when we thought we had our arms around our ever changing circumstances, we get hit by dry lightning storms and accompanying wildfires. These fires were no less serious than others over the past several years, and closed down vineyard operations temporarily in the Dry Creek and Russian River Valley appellations. As of this writing (September 1) the fires are under partial containment, though the air remains generally unhealthy. A major concern for all of us in the wine industry (including consumers) is the threat of smoke taint on the grapes that were in the affected vineyards. The grapes we have harvested thus far look pretty good, and we are cautiously optimistic about the harvest as a whole, but the bulk of harvest is still on the vine. Time will tell.
Meanwhile, we have started taking in grapes, including a load of pinot noir that we have earmarked for a carbonic maceration fermentation – our version of beaujolais nouveau. We will follow this delicious French tradition and have the wine available the third Thursday in November. Mark your calendars.
Being the die-hard traditionalists that we are, we couldn’t let the summer go without another musical event. So on Monday, September 7th, (Labor Day) local favorite Ricky Ray will perform live in our picnic area. There will be three sets and the (free) tickets are by reservation only. As of this writing the event is sold out, but you might try calling the winery for updates.
Hopefully, things will settle down a bit. We continue to offer tasting in the picnic area on Friday through Sunday by reservation only, and the response has been quite good. Join us over the next month or two and witness harvest 2020 in real time.
Cheers!
Mike Tierney
President, Taft Street Winery