2015 Sonoma County Petite Sirah
82% Sonoma Valley Petite Sirah, Rossi Ranch
14% Napa Valley Petite Sirah, Palisades Vineyard
4% Russian River Valley Zinfandel, Papera Ranch
My favorite Sonoma County Petite to date? I think so. For the Rossi Ranch component, we were a bit more aggressive in the extended maceration (39 days on the skins!) which really seemed to soften the tannin. We also blended in a chunk of Palisades Petite Sirah (always smooth as silk) and we liked how a dash of Papera Ranch Zin brightened the fruit. In the end, a delicious Petite Sirah that is drinking well right out of the gate. Unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Opaque black purple. A fantastic sniff of blackberry, new leather, earth, and flowers. On the palate, medium to medium-full bodied with flavors of dark berry fruit and earth. Petite has a reputation for being incredibly tannic but this particular one is approachable now with velvet-like tannins and plenty of luscious fruit. We encourage you to try one early. Drink from release until 2030. (MRO – 07/18/17)