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2021 Petite Sirah

  • Tasting Notes

    Eye
    Onyx core, magenta rim.

    Nose
    Smoldering notes of forest floor, embered beets, sage, and smoked wild game provide a savory backdrop to secondary notes of black fruits and purple flowers. Time in the glass reveals eucalyptus grove and heavy whipped cream with caramelized brown sugar and subtle anise.

    Palate
    Bold, rich, and luxurious on the palate with full body, grippy tannins, and a layered reveal of fruit leather, triple creme brie, and baking spice.

    Cellar life
    Drink now through 2035+.

  • Specs
    • Composition
      100% Petite Sirah
    • Vineyard Source
      Brown Estate 70%
      Gobbler Grove 30%
    • Appellation
      Napa Valley
    • Barrel Aging
      10 months in 30% new oak, 100% American
    • Alcohol by vol.
      14%
    • Production
      540 cases in 12 x 750ml format
  • Background

    The estate fruit component for this wine hails from a small 3-acre block in our Big Field vineyard, with the balance of fruit sourced from a neighboring vineyard in our Chiles Valley subappelation. An outsider to the cult of noble grapes (as is Zinfandel), Petite Sirah is part underdog, part phoenix. Considered lacking in pedigree it triumphs paradoxically on the strength of its many overlooked virtues. A sort of alter ego to Cabernet Sauvignon, unburdened of noblesse oblige, it is everything its royal counterpart aspires to and more. Holding nothing back, neither reserved nor austere, its exuberance and unadulterated power deliver a wallop of fruit, game, and earth. Quiet as it’s kept, Petite Sirah rivals Zinfandel as David’s favorite varietal. Due to a skipped vintage in 2020, this is vintage no. 13.