The strangest harvest in memory continued into September; but the lightning, fires heat and smoke appeared to be tapering off, and we were all looking for a quick ending to this very odd year. Then things turned really weird.
Another record breaking heat wave visited California last week, bringing with it high winds, fires, unhealthy air and a general feeling of WTF. Never thought AQI (air quality index) would become part of my vocabulary, but then I rarely used the terms pandemic or fake news either. Here’s to 2021!
The cellar staff is over delivering – as usual. Though short staffed, we are working efficiently and productively; thanks in no small to the extra efforts of Jake and Mike Martini, who this year are wearing even more hats than usual. As of this writing (October 1) we will take in grapes for another week or so. However, given the times, one shouldn’t be in the prediction business.
The 2020 Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition results were released last week, and we did ok; a DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL for our 2019 Russia River Valley Sauvignon Blanc, and GOLD MEDAL for our 2017 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.
October is our President’s Club fall release month. This year’s offering will include 3 whites and 3 reds, specifically:
- 2019 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc (DOUBLE GOLD)
- 2017 Catie’s Corner Chardonnay Russian River Valley
- 2019 Russian River Valley Rose of Pinot Noir (last of the vintage)
- 2018 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Garagistes (new)
- 2018 Skikos Vineyard Pinot Noir Russian River Valley (new)
- 2018 Russian River Valley Grenache (new)
On October 10 and 11 we will have a pickup weekend for club members. Accompanied by live music, members will be able to pick up their allotment, taste through the selections, and add to their cellars. We are looking forward to it.
We continue to host a very successful tasting by reservation program in our patio and picnic area every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (AQI permitting). So check the air, pack some snacks, call beforehand, and head on over to Taft Street. We’ll be here.
Cheers,
Mike Tierney
President, Taft Street