This winter morning, on a beautiful, between storm-day in Sonoma County, I saw my first post-harvest pruned vineyard of the season, signaling yet another vineyard year has ended. This may be the 35th we have experienced, but they are always a cause on wonderment. With much heavier than normal rain in the North Coast this […]
Winter Season’s Wishes Read More »
It’s that time of year again folks. After a disastrous crab season last year, it looks as though things are back to normal. The rainy season will be compensated this year not only by the play of the Golden State Warriors but also by the delicious treat of Dungeness crab (and Taft Street Chardonnay). INGREDIENTS: 1
Cracked Crab & Dipping Sauce Read More »
October was a historic month in at least one way; it rained as much as any October on record (save one). In Sebastopol and the Russian River Valley over 7 inches of rain fell, and at my home in Dry Creek Valley we had over 13 inches for the month. This storm bodes well for
The Storm Doors Are Open in the Russian River Valley Read More »
Here is a seasonal dessert that makes a natural contribution to the holiday table. It’s not too sweet, so a medium-bodied red like the Taft Street 2013 Alexander Valley Merlot would be an appropriate complement. INGREDIENTS: ½ cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda
Apple Sour Cream Cake Read More »
Harvest 2016 is officially over here at Taft Street, the result of a fast and furious burst of activity by growers to bring in their remaining grapes before the first rains of the season fell last week. Our cellar crew worked night and day for most of September, and the efforts appear to be worth
At our recent annual Tomato Tasting we found ourselves long on a few items – French bread, fresh figs and pears. We had also just discovered a great local cheese called Flower Power; a fresh lactic cow cheese speckled with bee pollen. This was the result – a big hit! INGREDIENTS: 1 baguette 12 fresh
Fall Fig Bruschetta Read More »
The harvest of 2016 is officially on; and we have already brought in this year’s Pinot Gris, Rose of Pinot Noir, and the first batch of Chardonnay. The skies are blue, the temperatures moderate, with no rain forecast for the foreseeable future. The crop looks like it will be larger than last year’s, and the
Harvest 2016 Bring It On Read More »
I recently had the good fortune of being a judge in the restaurant competition at this year’s Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Perhaps the most interesting flavor I encountered was aji amarillo sauce, a spicy but not incendiary sauce which topped a Peruvian empanada. The sauce works well on most grilled meats, and is terrific paired
Aji Amarillo Sauce Read More »
I am currently on a Korean barbeque jag, and this spicy sauce is an integral part of the experience. Plus, you can use it on most grilled meats. A stand-up wine like our Alexander Valley Merlot or a well-chilled glass of Rose of Pinot Noir would complete the experience. INGREDIENTS: ½ cup sliced scallions 3
While the world awaits festivities to begin in Rio this week, the wine world is getting ready for Harvest 2016. The first grapes were picked last week for sparkling wine, and we at Taft Street will soon finish bottling and begin preparations for an earlier than usual harvest. Indications are the crop looks healthy and
Let The Games (And Harvest) Begin! Read More »
