THE VINEYARD
The unique character of our 2014 Petite Sirah begins with the mountain terroir of our neighbor, the historic Monte Rosso Vineyard, and its famous red soils. This distinctive fruit is characteristic of the mineral-rich, well-drained volcanic soils of Monte Rosso. The site within the vineyard where these Petite Sirah vines are planted is especially blessed; capturing cooling breezes from the San Pablo Bay which lengthen the ripening curve and preserve the acidity of the fruit. Conversely, the vineyards’ high elevation exposes the fruit to intense sunlight, ensuring consistent ripening and highly developed flavors. The vines are planted at an elevation of around 100 + feet above sea level and with an intensive dry-farming regimen that helps to deeply concentrate the characteristics of this variety. These vines yield just enough fruit for us to produce between 50 and 75 cases each year.
VINTAGE
The weather during the growing season in 2014 was perfect for wine grapes, largely dry and warm, but not overly hot. We were fortunate to have had such a great harvest on the heels of the excellent 2013 vintage. The weather was as good as one could expect. The growing season began early, with a warm and dry spring, and the weather stayed beautiful all the way through an early harvest. The quality and quantity of the fruit were exceptional. The grapes were hand-picked on September 20, 2014.
THE WINE
The nose on this wine opens with an earthy bramble of berries and plum, swirl the glass and you
will uncover a gentle hint of anise, balanced against a subtle minerality that underscores and
enhances the fruit.
Take a sip, and you will immediately notice the heady weight of this wine. The body is huge and
round, with marvelous tannin and a pleasing acidic bite. The palate holds a surprising note of
cinnamon at the front, followed by a deep, dark wave of black fruit that washes through to a
lengthy finish, ripe with toast and ripe red cherry.
Petite Sirah of this style is a uniquely Californian tradition. As grape varieties go, it is actually a
relatively new one. Developed by a French botanist by the name of Dr. Francois Durif (Petite Sirah
is occasionally known as Durif, after its’ progenitor) in the 1880’s, it is the offspring of two Rhone
varieties; Peloursin and Syrah.
