Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
I loved the 2017 Petite Sirah from barrel last year, and it shows beautifully this go-round, with the classic power and richness of the variety yet a lighter, fresher style on the palate. It has good acidity, and I expect it's going to put on weight in bottle, so give it 3-4 years if you can.
Rating: 93+ -
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 88% Petite Sirah and 12% Syrah, the 2017 Petite Sirah is very deep purple-black colored. It sings of black cherry compote, raisin cake and preserved plums with touches of dusty soil, tobacco leaf and bouquet garni. Full-bodied, the palate has bags of freshness and a chewy texture framing the fruitcake flavors, finishing spicy.
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.