Taft Street Winery, Alexander Valley Merlot 2018

The Taft Street winery started in the 1970's, in a garage in Berkeley California. The concept was simple, make good wine, sell it at affordable prices, and have fun in the process. Owners Mike Tierney and Mike Martini continue to practice their "Garragiste" ideals, and have built a great wine team with the addition of Evelyn White as winemaker. They source superb fruit through long term contracts with select growers in Sonoma, the Russian River and Dry Creek Valley. Tierney also grows the finest heirloom tomatoes in the US!

Vinification: The grapes were cold soaked for 3 days at 50°F. Fermentation time was 10 days; maceration time was 5 days. The wine was then drained, pressed, racked, and inoculated for malolactic fermentation in barrel. There were multiple rack and returns during the 19 months of barrel aging.

Vineyard Location: The Merlot was grown on the Hanson Vineyard Ranch at the foot of the mountains in the heart of Alexander Valley.

VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 95% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec
COOPERAGE: 19 months in American and French oak. 10% new
TOTAL CASES MADE: 1,533
ALCOHOL: 14.5%

TASTING NOTES: Plum with hints of ruby, this Alexander Valley Merlot has aromas of ripe cherry and currant mixed with inklings of allspice and nutmeg. Velvety, sweet tannins pair exceptionally well with the dark fruit, resulting in a rich, sumptuous mouth feel. Judicious use of American Oak adds hints of vanilla and structure to this food-friendly wine.

PAIRING: skirt steak tacos, prime rib