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
For the most part 1999 was a cool and dry season, with much less warm weather than normal. Extra effort was taken in the vineyard to ensure that the fruit fully ripened including; judicious irrigation to control growth and maintain uniformity and cluster thinning to promote ripening. Late September gave us the heat spell we needed to begin harvest, which went very quickly and was effectively over by October 23rd. The long cool growing season of vintage 99 produced Petite Sirah with softer tannins and more elegance.

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 on June 5, 2001. Alcohol 14.3%, T.A. .61, pH 3.69, residual sugar .03.

Tasting Notes
This elegant, textured Petite Sirah has fine-grained tannins that hold the wine in balance, sustaining flavors of berry, spice, herb and black pepper to the long finish. Drink now through the next 5 years.

< Back