Winemaker Notes
Petite Sirah is the leading grape of the 2017 Ingenuity and future vintages. It is still the “Paso Roblean Rhone Blend," but with a bit more identity, purpose and well, Petite-Sirah-ness.
Blend: 56% Petite Sirah, 16% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, 13% Grenache
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
This cuvée has shifted toward more Petite Sirah over the past few vintages, and the 2017 Ingenuity checks in as 56% Petite Sirah, 16% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, and 13% Grenache. Blueberries, flowery incense, white pepper, and candied orange peel all give way to a sexy, ripe, full-bodied 2017 with sweet tannins and a great finish. Drink it over the coming decade.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Ingenuity is a blend of 56% Petite Sirah, 16% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah and 13% Grenache from the Paderewski vineyard, aged 19 months in 51% new French oak barrels and puncheons. It has pretty aromas of violet, blueberries and blackberries with spicy touches. It's full-bodied but surprisingly fresh and ripe, offering pretty pops of blue fruits and finishing long and layered.
Rating: 92+
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Growing on high elevation bedrock slopes, the vineyards of Paso Robles Willow Creek AVA sit at between 960 and 1,900 feet in elevation.