The days are dry and sunny; the nights are chilly, and there is no rain in sight. Not good. The pandemic is raging and restrictions are being added around the state. Not good. There are vaccinations on the way in a matter of weeks, and a new year is just around the corner. Very good. At least we can say the year 2020 was a memorable one.
In the winery fermentation is continuing, wine is being put into barrels, and bottling for clients has resumed. Our own bottling will start after the New Year, when we will package the 2020 Russian River Valley Rose of Pinot Noir and the 2020 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc.
We got a nice jump start on the 2020 vintage with our first offering of 2020 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Nouveau. We fermented the wine in whole grape clusters (a process called carbonic maceration), and produced a young, fruity and delicious wine perfectly suited for holiday dinners.
In France the wine can be sold on the 3rd Thursday in November. We followed suit by hosting a four day party, where we served the wine to those who reserved a time slot. We also served our other wines and gourgeres, traditional French cheese puffs. The weekend was a great success and we have but a few cases left.
In other news, our 2016 Lodi Medallion is a red blend of Zinfandel and Petit Syrah which we have offered in the Tasting Room and the Texas market. In the recent Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Wine Competition (yes, there is such an event), the wine was awarded a DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL and BEST OF CLASS.
The weatherman says there will be blue skies for the foreseeable future. Might be a good time to make a reservation for a spot in our picnic area, have a safe and enjoyable afternoon, and stock up on some Holiday cheer. We’ll be here.
Cheers and Happy Holidays!
Mike Tierney
President, Taft Street Winery