From longtime growers, now vintners, on the western slopes of the Mayacamas comes this impressive and huge wine. It’s dark as night, with brilliantly complex aromas of berries, leather, sage, smoke and white pepper. It’s also mouth filling, and has so many facets, it’s hard to keep track. The depth of flavor is stunning, while dusty tannins provide structure. A…
— S.H.
(5/1/2002)
One of the best Petite Sirahs of the vintage, this rich wine shows an impeccable balance rare in this variety. Everything’s just right, from the smooth dryness and furry tannins to the succulent blackberry fruit to the long, cherried finish. Really a nice, full-bodied red wine. If you’re into cellaring, this should remain viable for at least ten years.
— S.H.
(12/31/2007)
Rugged tannins are front and center in this youthful wine. There’s a wealth of complex wild blackberry, licorice, grilled meat, sage and white-pepper flavor, and the wine is impeccably balanced. With alcohol a relatively modest 14.4%, this powerful Syrah will reward cellaring. Best 2008–2012.
— S.H.
(12/31/2007)
Fans of “Pet” will exult at this wildly exuberant wine. Grown in a dramatic mountain vineyard high above the Central Mendocino plain, it’s bone dry and gigantic in tannins, with massive flavors of black currants, red meat, charred meat bone and pepper. Will age for at least a decade.
— S.H.
(7/1/2009)
Size matters in Petite Sirah, and this is one big wine. Black in color, bone dry and raspingly tannic, it has a rich heart of blackberry and black cherry fruit. Best with barbecued ribs now, but should age effortlessly for a decade or two.
— S.H.
(12/31/2005)
I love this wine, not only because it’s so good, but also so different. Has the light color and silky body of Pinot Noir, with flavors of cherry liqueur, vanilla and toast, but also has weight and complexity. Try with penne with sausage and mushrooms.
— S.H.
(3/1/2005)
Full-bodied and tannic for a California Grenache, but with those distinctly yummy, intense red cherry aromas and flavors, accented with a touch of smoky oak. Turns rich in cherry liqueur on the finish. Try this dry wine as a switch from Merlot or Syrah.
— S.H.
(7/1/2009)
Firm and focused on the palate, the wine shows off a blend of black cherry, coffee, spice, toast and herb notes that are neatly framed in ripe tannins. The finish is moderate in length, ending with a clean edge.
— J.M.
(9/1/2004)