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.

SECRET SAVINGS ALERT:

Subscribe to our Daily Dispatch (above) and you’ll always know what our Top Secret coupon code of the day is. Every day we issue a new members-only code that entitles you to have Ground Shipping included on orders of six or more and, sometimes, an added discount!

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.