Winemaker Notes
Trentadue La Storia Petite Sirah is as usually impressive and imposing with very dark, opaque color, beautiful nose of concentrated blueberries and blackberries that leads to a full body mouth feel with engagingly soft (for Petite Sirah) tannins. After short aeration, the nose opens with the addition of cocoa, violets, slight earthiness, and graphite followed by brown sugar and a touch of vanilla-contribution of the new oak barrels. Overall, the aromas are of fresh dark fruit and very attractive. Longevity, if stored properly, is one of the virtues of this variety and it will give you the most enjoyment in 5-8 years.
Blend: 88% Petite Sirah, 8% Zinfandel, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Merlot, 1% Syrah
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Bold and robust aromas of bramble berries, blackberry compote and sweet spices. The palate is full-bodied with firm tannins and balanced acidity, giving sweet-fruited flavors of dark cherries, mulberries and mocha. Lush and generous in an early-drinking style.
With its deep color, firm tannins and bold flavors, there is nothing petite about Petite Sirah. The variety, originally known as Durif in the Rhône, took on its more popular moniker after being imported to California in the early 1880s. Quintessentially recognized today as a grape of the Golden State, Petite Sirah works well blended with Zinfandel and finds success as a single varietal wine in the state’s warmer districts. Somm Secret—Petite Sirah is not a smaller version of Syrah but it is an offspring of Syrah and the now nearly extinct French Alpine variety called Peloursin.
Nearly a northern extension of Napa Valley, Alexander Valley starts just north of the small, Knights Valley, and is just a few minutes drive from the Napa town of Calistoga. It is Sonoma County’s hottest AVA. But the Russian River, which runs through the valley, creates cooler pockets and its soft, alluvial soil is ideal for grape growing, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, some believe that Alexander Valley Cabernets truly rival the best from Napa Valley and many of the heavy-hitter producers have largely invested here.
In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up over 50% of plantings, Merlot and old vine Zinfandel thrive here. Ample, fleshy Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate white wine production. Some old-vine plantings of Grenache have also been discovered and more recent experiments with Sangiovese and Barbera show great promise.