Varietal
Petite Sirah has a somewhat mysterious lineage. The famed French ampelographer Pierre Galet asserts that it is a descendant of Durif, a nearly extinct French varietal. DNA testing of California Petite Sirah of the early 1990’s suggested it was actually related to famed Rhone varietal Syrah. In either case this varietal, which grows well in Monterey as well as the Italian-American settlements of Sonoma and Paso Robles, is known for its substantial tannins and deep color. Though often used in blends to shore up softer, paler red wines, it has garnered a strong cult following for its dark character and magnificent age-ability.

Vintage
The growing season of 2000 began with the warmest winter on record, which gave way to a very warm spring punctuated by a record heat spell in mid June. The relatively warm weather moved us two to three weeks ahead of schedule. A more temperate summer followed, allowing the grapes to ripen evenly. The long, drawn out harvest yielded extremely high quality fruit giving us wine with tremendous body and texture.

Vinification
Strict tannin management is a must with Petite Sirah. The grapes from two lots were divided into smaller lots and cold soaked for three to five days prior to fermentation. The grapes were lightly pressed to maintain a delicate balance between flavors, color and tannins. The wine spent 15 months in oak before being bottled in May 2002. Alcohol 14.5%, T.A. .59, pH 3.8, Residual sugar .03. 467 cases produces.

Tasting Notes
This wine is soft, powerful, very full-bodied and very fruity. It is rich, ripely flavored and mildly oaky, tasting of berries, wood, pepper and toast. Serve with broiled steak, cheese pizza and shish kebob (leg of lamb with green and red peppers, onions, tomato and potato).

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