2010 Napa Valley "Palisades Vineyard" Petite Sirah
100% Petite Sirah
Despite the challenges presented by the weather in 2010, the Palisades Vineyard excelled in this vintage, producing a wine at least equal in quality to any previous vintage. Picked on October 12th, the must was cold-soaked for 5 days before fermentation began. After 30 days on the skins, the wine was pressed to all French oak, 50% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Black as night. Opaque. Deep, concentrated aromas of blackberries and blueberries with a slight note of vanilla. By no means oaky though. (We prefer flavors of fruit, not wood.) Quite rich and full bodied with a cornucopia of black and blue fruits joined by a hint of licorice and earth. Youthful tannins (as there should be with this variety) build from the mid palate through the finish. Given the voluptuous fruit, this wine can be enjoyed now with a good decant and a nice piece of beef. But no rush. I’m sure it will drink well for at least 15 years. (MRO – 01/17/12)