Dec 30, 2022
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Taft Street Winery
| Owner(s) | Mike Martini, John Tierney, Mike Tierney |
| Web site | www.taftstreetwinery.com |
| Link to this site |
In the 1970s, Cal Berkeley student John Tierney began making wine in the garage of his brother's home on nearby Taft Street. John graduated from Cal and moved to Sonoma County to work at Souverain Winery. He returned to Berkeley to be the winemaker at Wine and the People where he met Mike Martini. The Tierney’s house on Taft Street in Oakland was built in 1918, and its garage was so small that a car could no longer fit comfortably inside. The brothers decided to turn it into a winery, a true garagiste winery. The reputation of Taft Street Garage wine grew and a few years later they moved to a winery in Sonoma, officially opening on April Fool's Day, 1982 in the town of Forestville. They released their first Taft Street wine in 1982.
Robert Parker, Jr., rated their wines highly and the label became quite well known. I can remember drinking Taft Street wines in the early 1980s when I was developing a passion for wine. By 1990, they were producing 20,000 cases of good wine. Unfortunately, Taft Street wondered off the original intended course and was bought by a Manhattan, New York importer. The label soon faded into obscurity.
Mike Tierney and Mike Martini resurfaced and reinvented Taft Street eight years ago. Their tagline is “Garagistes since 1979.” The winemaker since 2007 has been Evelyn White (formerly at Clos Du Bois) and the wines have been solid since that time. The principals are holding to a policy of reasonable prices, quality grape sourcing and moderate production. The grapes are brought in from the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley. Several varietals are produced including Chardonnay ($17 to a $30), Sauvignon Blanc ($16), Pinot Gris ($16), Riesling ($16), Gewürztraminer ($16), Merlot ($15), Syrah ($22), Zinfandel ($24) and Rosé of Pinot Noir ($16) and Pinot Noir ($20 to $36).
Taft Street wines can be enjoyed at the winery’s tasting room located at 2030 Barlow Lane in Sebastopol. Open Monday through Friday from 11:00 to 4:00 and on weekends to 4:30. The wines are sold online.
Articles About Taft Street Winery
2019 Value-Priced Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.49 8/1/2019)
Along the Pinot Trail in California: Part 2 - North Coast & Other (9.8 6/24/2012)
California Pinot Noir to Swoon Over (11.41 3/22/2019)
Mendocino Ridge: New Frontier for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (8.9 1/22/2010)
Recently Reviewed CA & OR Pinot Noir Wines (12.30 7/24/2022)
Recently Tasted 2018 California & Oregon Pinot Noir (12.15 2/28/2021)
Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir (9.33 11/9/2013)
Taft Street Winery Reinvented (7.25 9/5/2009)
Reviewed Wines
2019 Taft Street Winery Fifty Five Thirty Seven Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 132 cases,
$42. Released May 2022. Aged 10 months in 30% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass.
Nicely perfumed with scents of black cherry, toast and floral aspects. Mid-weight oak-kissed core of black
cherry and purple berry fruits framed by mild tannins that infuse the fruit on the somewhat persistent finish.
Nicely balanced and easy to like.
Score: 91.
Reviewed July 24, 2022
ARTICLE »
2019 Taft Street Winery Zachary Hill Vineyard, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 160 cases,
$42. Released April 2022. The vineyard is located in the cooler and windier Sebastopol Hills neighborhood of
the Russian River Valley. Aged 10 months in 30% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass.
Highly seductive aromas of cherry reduction, dark rose petal, barnyard and a compliment of oak. Mid-weight
plus in style with the juicy essence of black cherry and blackberry fruits infused with toasty oak, animale and
spice. Suave tannins embellish the fruit. The slightest heat shows up at the finish. Retasted October 2022 and the wine had evolved into a gorgeous Pinot Noir in every way. My revised score would be 94.
Score: 92.
Reviewed July 24, 2022
ARTICLE »
2018 Taft Street Garagistes Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 175 cases, $38. Released
October 2020. Grapes are from the Skikos Vineyard Dijon 667) located on Piner Road in the Santa Rosa
Plains Neighborhood and the Dutton Winkler Vineyard (clone 23) situated in the Green Valley Neighborhood of
the Russian River Valley.5-day cold soak, proprietary yeast inoculation, daily punchdowns, aged 10 months in
French oak barrels, 30% new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Inviting scents of black cherry, allspice
and red rose petal. Excellent charge of dark red cherry and red and purple berry goodness backed by felty
tannins. Luscious in the mouth, with a complimentary shadow of oak and a modest finish. Easygoing, upfront
drinking.
Score: 92.
Reviewed February 28, 2021
ARTICLE »
2018 Taft Street Skikos Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc.,
220 cases, $38. Released October 2020. Grapes are clone 667 sourced from
Skikos Vineyard. 5-day cold soak, proprietary yeast inoculation, fermentation in
open-top tank fermenters at cool temperatures and aged 10 months in French oak
barrels, 30% new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of
cherry, dark strawberry, rose hips and spice cake. A succulent fruit core of black
cherry and black raspberry creates an impression. A serious wine that shows
impeccable balance and gentle use of oak. The peach-skin make for easy drinking
and the juicy finish draws the drinker back to the glass. Even more lavish over
time in the glass. This beauty can be enjoyed now are cellared.
Score: 94.
Reviewed February 28, 2021
ARTICLE »
2017 Taft Street Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 990 cases, $28. Sourced from Skikos
Vineyard (clone 667) and Winkler Vineyard (clone 23),
both in the Russian River Valley. A 5-day cold soak was
followed by inoculation with proprietary yeast and then
open-top tank fermented at cool temperatures. The wine
was aged in French oak barrels, 30% new, for 10 months.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Enticing aromas of Bing
cherry, dark raspberry, baking spice, cola and graham. A quintessential
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, featuring flavors of dark red and black
cherry, cola, spice, dark cocoa and a hint of toasty oak. Nicely
composed and welcoming, with some finishing generosity. A fantastic
value. Tasted twice with the same results.
Score: 92.
Reviewed March 23, 2019
ARTICLE »
2012 Taft Street Russian River Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir
13.1% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.51, 390
cases, $18. Cold soaked on its skins for 24 hours before pressing and then cold fermented in
stainless steel tanks with minimal handling and fining.
·
Strawberry-pink color in the glass. Very
aromatic with vibrant aromas of fresh strawberries, red cherries and yellow peach. Modest in
weight, soft on the palate, and very pleasing with flavors of red berry fruits and a hint of dried herbs.
The wine is quite enjoyable on its own as an aperitif or will pair well with Thanksgiving turkey.
Score: 88.
Reviewed November 9, 2013
ARTICLE »
2012 Taft Street Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.60, 4,211 cases, $25.
Taft Street is a long time successful producer in the Russian River Valley, and claims its lineage to
1979. Aged in 10% new French oak barrels.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of
black cherry, bramble and earthy flora. Fresh flavors of Rainer cherry, strawberry, spice mix and
toasty oak. Modest in weight with lithe tannins and appealing finesse making it appropriate for
current drinking.
Score: 88.
Reviewed November 9, 2013
ARTICLE »
2008 Taft Street Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.60, 1,074 cases, $16. Sourced
primarily from Jim Moore Vineyard east of the winery on Occidental Road and Russian River Farms along
Eastside Road. Aged 14 months in barrel.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of Bing
cherries, sage and pepper. Middleweight flavors of red cherries, raspberries and cranberries wrapped in
muscular rainy tannins with a good snap of acidity on the very dry finish. The tannin/fruit balance is tipped
toward tannins. Good.
Reviewed June 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2008 Taft Street Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $24 (but
available for as little as $16 in retail marketplace).
·
Moderately intense reddishpurple
color in the glass. Uplifting scents of strawberries, red cherries, leaf and
smoky oak. Moderately light in weight, with the red berry and cherry core
lacking in mid-palate intensity. There is a slight confected note of Red Vines
and a subtle undertone of oak char. There is not enough going on in the glass
to grab your serious attention, but this is a very serviceable Pinot for the money.
Decent.
Reviewed November 7, 2010
ARTICLE »
2006 Taft Street Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH at harvest 3.64, 4,981
cases, $16. Sourced from several vineyards in the Sonoma Coast appellation with a
good portion from Art Ibleto’s Bella Sonoma Vineyard. Fermented in open-top
stainless steel tanks with three daily punch downs. Pressed to 45% French oak and
55% American oak and aged for 14 months.
·
Aromas of black cherries, burly oak,
green garden, forest floor and a little barnyard. Dark cherry and berry flavors with a
hint of oak. Decent richness, supple tannins and bright acidity. Good value.
Reviewed September 5, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Taft Street Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 326 cases, $35.
Winemaker is Evelyn White.
·
Nuanced perfume revealing black cherries, melon,
pomegranate, herbs, green tomato and oak. Very pleasing cherry and berry
attack with some mocha in the background. A silky mouthfeel and impeccable
balance make this wine very easy to drink. Very good.
Reviewed January 22, 2010
ARTICLE »
2006 Taft Street Garagistes Mendocino Ridge Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH at 3.27, 326 cases, $36. Sourced from Joe Keith’s
vineyard in the Mendocino Ridge AVA.Fermented in open-top stainless steel tanks
with three daily punch downs. Pressed to 30% new French oak for 14 months
aging.
·
Lovely, demure aromas of cherries and berries. Bright, intense raspberry
fruit on the attack with an underpinning of earth and oak. Soft and sensual like a
cashmere sweater. Harmonious with ephemeral tannins and admirable
persistence on the finish. A generous, enjoyable wine.
Reviewed September 5, 2009
ARTICLE »
2019 Taft Street Winery Fifty Five Thirty Seven Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 132 cases, $42. Released May 2022. Aged 10 months in 30% new French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with scents of black cherry, toast and floral aspects. Mid-weight oak-kissed core of black cherry and purple berry fruits framed by mild tannins that infuse the fruit on the somewhat persistent finish. Nicely balanced and easy to like. Score: 91. Reviewed July 24, 2022 ARTICLE »
2019 Taft Street Winery Zachary Hill Vineyard, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 160 cases, $42. Released April 2022. The vineyard is located in the cooler and windier Sebastopol Hills neighborhood of the Russian River Valley. Aged 10 months in 30% new French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Highly seductive aromas of cherry reduction, dark rose petal, barnyard and a compliment of oak. Mid-weight plus in style with the juicy essence of black cherry and blackberry fruits infused with toasty oak, animale and spice. Suave tannins embellish the fruit. The slightest heat shows up at the finish. Retasted October 2022 and the wine had evolved into a gorgeous Pinot Noir in every way. My revised score would be 94. Score: 92. Reviewed July 24, 2022 ARTICLE »
2018 Taft Street Garagistes Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 175 cases, $38. Released October 2020. Grapes are from the Skikos Vineyard Dijon 667) located on Piner Road in the Santa Rosa Plains Neighborhood and the Dutton Winkler Vineyard (clone 23) situated in the Green Valley Neighborhood of the Russian River Valley.5-day cold soak, proprietary yeast inoculation, daily punchdowns, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Inviting scents of black cherry, allspice and red rose petal. Excellent charge of dark red cherry and red and purple berry goodness backed by felty tannins. Luscious in the mouth, with a complimentary shadow of oak and a modest finish. Easygoing, upfront drinking. Score: 92. Reviewed February 28, 2021 ARTICLE »
2018 Taft Street Skikos Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 220 cases, $38. Released October 2020. Grapes are clone 667 sourced from Skikos Vineyard. 5-day cold soak, proprietary yeast inoculation, fermentation in open-top tank fermenters at cool temperatures and aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of cherry, dark strawberry, rose hips and spice cake. A succulent fruit core of black cherry and black raspberry creates an impression. A serious wine that shows impeccable balance and gentle use of oak. The peach-skin make for easy drinking and the juicy finish draws the drinker back to the glass. Even more lavish over time in the glass. This beauty can be enjoyed now are cellared. Score: 94. Reviewed February 28, 2021 ARTICLE »
2017 Taft Street Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 990 cases, $28. Sourced from Skikos Vineyard (clone 667) and Winkler Vineyard (clone 23), both in the Russian River Valley. A 5-day cold soak was followed by inoculation with proprietary yeast and then open-top tank fermented at cool temperatures. The wine was aged in French oak barrels, 30% new, for 10 months. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Enticing aromas of Bing cherry, dark raspberry, baking spice, cola and graham. A quintessential Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, featuring flavors of dark red and black cherry, cola, spice, dark cocoa and a hint of toasty oak. Nicely composed and welcoming, with some finishing generosity. A fantastic value. Tasted twice with the same results. Score: 92. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »
2012 Taft Street Russian River Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir
13.1% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.51, 390 cases, $18. Cold soaked on its skins for 24 hours before pressing and then cold fermented in stainless steel tanks with minimal handling and fining. · Strawberry-pink color in the glass. Very aromatic with vibrant aromas of fresh strawberries, red cherries and yellow peach. Modest in weight, soft on the palate, and very pleasing with flavors of red berry fruits and a hint of dried herbs. The wine is quite enjoyable on its own as an aperitif or will pair well with Thanksgiving turkey. Score: 88. Reviewed November 9, 2013 ARTICLE »
2012 Taft Street Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.60, 4,211 cases, $25. Taft Street is a long time successful producer in the Russian River Valley, and claims its lineage to 1979. Aged in 10% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, bramble and earthy flora. Fresh flavors of Rainer cherry, strawberry, spice mix and toasty oak. Modest in weight with lithe tannins and appealing finesse making it appropriate for current drinking. Score: 88. Reviewed November 9, 2013 ARTICLE »
2008 Taft Street Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.60, 1,074 cases, $16. Sourced primarily from Jim Moore Vineyard east of the winery on Occidental Road and Russian River Farms along Eastside Road. Aged 14 months in barrel. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of Bing cherries, sage and pepper. Middleweight flavors of red cherries, raspberries and cranberries wrapped in muscular rainy tannins with a good snap of acidity on the very dry finish. The tannin/fruit balance is tipped toward tannins. Good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »
2008 Taft Street Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $24 (but available for as little as $16 in retail marketplace). · Moderately intense reddishpurple color in the glass. Uplifting scents of strawberries, red cherries, leaf and smoky oak. Moderately light in weight, with the red berry and cherry core lacking in mid-palate intensity. There is a slight confected note of Red Vines and a subtle undertone of oak char. There is not enough going on in the glass to grab your serious attention, but this is a very serviceable Pinot for the money. Decent. Reviewed November 7, 2010 ARTICLE »
2006 Taft Street Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH at harvest 3.64, 4,981 cases, $16. Sourced from several vineyards in the Sonoma Coast appellation with a good portion from Art Ibleto’s Bella Sonoma Vineyard. Fermented in open-top stainless steel tanks with three daily punch downs. Pressed to 45% French oak and 55% American oak and aged for 14 months. · Aromas of black cherries, burly oak, green garden, forest floor and a little barnyard. Dark cherry and berry flavors with a hint of oak. Decent richness, supple tannins and bright acidity. Good value. Reviewed September 5, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Taft Street Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 326 cases, $35. Winemaker is Evelyn White. · Nuanced perfume revealing black cherries, melon, pomegranate, herbs, green tomato and oak. Very pleasing cherry and berry attack with some mocha in the background. A silky mouthfeel and impeccable balance make this wine very easy to drink. Very good. Reviewed January 22, 2010 ARTICLE »
2006 Taft Street Garagistes Mendocino Ridge Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH at 3.27, 326 cases, $36. Sourced from Joe Keith’s vineyard in the Mendocino Ridge AVA.Fermented in open-top stainless steel tanks with three daily punch downs. Pressed to 30% new French oak for 14 months aging. · Lovely, demure aromas of cherries and berries. Bright, intense raspberry fruit on the attack with an underpinning of earth and oak. Soft and sensual like a cashmere sweater. Harmonious with ephemeral tannins and admirable persistence on the finish. A generous, enjoyable wine. Reviewed September 5, 2009 ARTICLE »