2008 Yorkville Highlands Petite Sirah
100% Petite Sirah
One of our last lots of the season, coming in near the end of October, yields at Theopolis Vineyard in Yorkville Highlands were 1.6 tons to the acre. Clusters and berries were the smallest we’ve ever seen. A 5-day cold soak, indigenous fermentation, and 19 days on the skins ensured we extracted everything the grapes had to offer. All French oak, 25% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Opaque black-purple. Can red wine be any darker? A knockout nose of blueberries, wild herbs, and white and black pepper. In fact, reminds me of what I smell when I walk the vineyard, crushing the aromatic wild herbs under my feet. On the palate, immensely concentrated, like essence of Petite Sirah, with plenty of blackberry fruit and licorice. Tannins in the finish indicate this wine will age. In fact, drink it on release with a grilled Flannery Rib Eye or age it up to 30 years. Either way, major yums! (MRO – 08/01/10)