Winemaker Notes
Once poured, the thrills of this deep purple Petite Sirah begin on the nose, where rich aromas of ripe plums and black currants are interlaced with lively hints of a cigar, black pepper, and bittersweet chocolate. On the well-balanced palate, abundant flavors of black fruits are accentuated by mouthwatering acidity. Grippy tannins and a kiss of fine oak lead to a long finish.
Enjoy these balanced flavors with asiago cheese, wild mushroom and leek crostini, caramelized onion risotto, grilled lamb chops with fresh rosemary, or grilled tri-tip with roasted red peppers.
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
Aged nine months in American and Hungarian oak, this wine delivers opulent aromas of chocolate-covered plum. Flavors of boysenberry and violet funnel through deeper notes of tobacco and cedar. A grip on the midpalate stays through to the finish.
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.
Home to a diverse array of smaller AVAs with varied microclimates and soil types, Sonoma County has something for every wine lover. Physically twice as large as Napa Valley, the region only produces about half the amount of wine but boasts both tremendous quality and variety. With its laid-back atmosphere and down-to-earth attitude, the wineries of Sonoma are appreciated by wine tourists for their friendliness and approachability. The entire county intends to become a 100% sustainable winegrowing region by 2019.
Sonoma County wines are produced with carefully selected grape varieties to reflect the best attributes of their sites—Dry Creek Valley’s consistent sunshine is ideal for Zinfandel, while the warm Alexander Valley is responsible for rich, voluptuous red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are important throughout the county, most notably in the cooler AVAs of Russian River, Sonoma Coast and Carneros. Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Syrah have also found a firm footing here.