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Rutherford Grove 2007 Spring Creek Vineyard Petite Sirah

Rutherford Grove 2007 Spring Creek Vineyard Petite Sirah

What We Say 2007 Spring Creek Vineyard Petite Sirah

SUPERIOR WINE ALERT:

Today’s selection from Rutherford Grove is a fantastic example of Petite Sirah in all its bold and rich glory. If you are a fan of this deep and dense varietal, then this wine belongs in your cellar and on your table.

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Mission Codename: Spring Hopes Eternal

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Secure a fantastic Petite Sirah from our good friends at family run Rutherford Grove Winery and Vineyards

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Rutherford Grove Winery and Vineyards

Wine Subject: 2007 Spring Creek Vineyard Petite Sirah

Winemaker: Andy Pestoni

Backgrounder:

Petite Sirah’s California roots dates back to when it was believed to be a close relative of the Syrah grape. Later it would be found to be genetically identical to the Durif, named for its after French discoverer François Durif who found that the varietal was a Syrah grape pollinated with Peloursin flowers. Its smaller berries with higher skin to pulp ratio leads to more intense flavors. Another benefit of the smaller berries are tighter clusters that are more resistant to mildew. Currently Petite Sirah is less popular in France and increasingly popular in the United States

The Rutherford AVA is among the most famous names in the valley and is primarily know for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon as well as the other big Bordeaux varietals and as in today’s wine Petite Sirah. Ironically, Rutherford was the last of the major districts to receive AVA status and is home to about 30 wineries. Its well drained soil made of a combination of marine sediment and volcanic gravel, sand and loam is distinct and contributes to its famed ‘Rutherford Dust’ component found its its great wines.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark purple and nearly black with a dense and inky core that only shows its clarity when carefully examined. The color becomes purple at the edges and when swirled, slow and thin color-stained legs ring the glass. Some sediment and tartrate crystals cling to the cork and settle at the bottom of the glass.

Smell – Ripe and fruit forward aromas of dark black and blue fruit including blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry blend with savory and spice and toasted vanilla and oak.

Feel – Smooth, warm and expansive in its initial attack before the sturdy and textured tannins strike at mid-palate of this full-bodied dry wine. Textured dark minerality and vibrant acidity keeps the luscious fruit in check. As this wine opens, the feel smooths making this rich wine both round and plush.

Taste – Dense and focused dark black and red fruit lead the way and are framed by a touch of tangy acidity. Complexity is added by its vanilla and toasted oak that blends with savory and spice notes.

Finish – Extremely long with the rich and generous fruit lingering on and on while the sturdy and finely grained tannins and mineral texture drying the palate and leaving your tongue stained purple.

Conclusion – The 2007 Rutherford Grove Winery and Vineyards Spring Creek Vineyard Petite Sirah is rich, plush and generously plump wine that is fruit forward without the typical coarse tannins you might expect from this bold of red grapes. Bountiful blue and black fruit along with pleasant vanilla toast, savory spice and minerality greets you upon pulling the cork and lasts until your last sip. We enjoyed this lovely wine with grilled buffalo rib-eyes and barbecued pork ribs.

Mission Report:

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Rutherford Grove Winery and Vineyards can be seen in this satellite photo.

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What the Winery Says Rutherford Grove

Rutherford Grove
Rutherford Grove

About This Wine:

Our 2007 vintage of Petite Sirah was made in much the same style as the previous four vintages producing a luscious , fruit forward, delicious wine from Spring Creek Vineyard, located in the St. Helena Appellation.

The 2007 Petite Sirah exhibits the typical deep black and purple hues that, amazingly, comes from only 10 days of skin contact. 10 months of oak aging contribute rich aromas and flavors of toasty vanilla that are well balanced with the characteristic plum, boysenberry and hints of roasted game. The entry is rich and concentrated, the structure and weight are big but the finish is silky and very approachable early on for this varietal.

Vineyard Notes: The vineyard is on the west side of the valley floor and benefits from copious direct sunlight during the growing season as well as cool breezes in the afternoon, a perfect situation for Petite Sirah.

About The Winery:

Nestled in the heart of the Napa Valley, Rutherford Grove Winery and Vineyards invites you to enjoy our wines, stroll through our gardens, or stay for an afternoon picnic. Conveniently located on Highway 29, we welcome visitors daily from 10am to 4:30pm. Prior appointment for tasting is not required for groups fewer than 8.

About The Winemaker:

Andy Pestoni is the fourth generation of his family to live and work in the Napa Valley. Born and raised in St. Helena, today he directs the winemaking for Rutherford Grove Winery’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery’s total production is 10,000 cases a year and the wines are estate-grown from 50 acres of vineyards in the Rutherford and Howell Mountain appellations. The family came to the Napa Valley in the late 1880’s from the Ticino region of Switzerland, from the town of Monte Carasso.

“Even though I have winemakers in my family history, I didn’t think I’d grow up to be a winemaker,” Andy smiles. He caught the ‘wine bug’ working harvests at Beaulieu Vineyard while attending college. He went on to work in the cellar at Ferrari-Carrano in Sonoma County for several years. While he was at Ferrari-Carrano his father and uncle bought a winery formerly known as Rutherford Vintners, in the town of Rutherford, and asked Andy to ‘come home’ and help them launch it as a new family winery. Ray Corison joined the team for the first few years as a winemaking consultant, as did Bob Pepi; from the 1996 vintage on, though, Andy has directed all winemaking operations.

Technical Analysis:

Varietals: 100% Petite Sirah

Appellation: Spring Creek Vineyard

Alcohol: 14.2%

Barrel Aging: 10 Months in oak barrels

Winemaker: Andy Pestoni

Rutherford Grove 2007 Spring Creek Vineyard Petite Sirah 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired Feb 16, 2012 at 11:59 pm
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Rutherford Grove 2007 Spring Creek Vineyard Petite Sirah 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired Feb 16, 2012 at 11:59 pm
Register to get notified when this wine is back in stock:
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