Dry Creek Valley has an established reputation for growing outstanding Zin and Petite Sirah. The grapes in this wine are from two vineyards: Piccetti Vineyard situated on the North end of Dry Creek Valley, about 800 feet above the valley, and Wolcott-Bevill Vineyard just off of Dry Creek Road
Decomposed rock and brick red Manzanita-type soils are usually very well suited for low pH Petite and Zins—wines with deep color and solid structure.
2011 was the 4th vintage in a row with relatively cool growing season culminating in several rainy days in October that presented some challenges to the grape growers and winemakers. Overall, the wines are lower in alcohol and are more food-friendly and ageworthy than usual.
The fruit was handled in the most gentle way possible, handsorted and fermented in small open top fermenters with minimum hand punch-downs per day. As usual the most effort was in extracting as little as possible of the missive tannins that Petite is known for. The mallolactic fermentation was completed in barrels; aging was done in 55% new European oak barrels for about 11 months.
The shortest way to describe the wine would be “dark and delicious.” Undoubtedly Petite Sirah in its core, but with re ned and balanced tannin and—surprising for Petite Sirah—softness. Loads of blueberry and blackberry on the nose followed by toasty oak, cinnamon, brown sugar and dark molasses. The mouth feel is big and juicy, extracted but not heavy, nishing with fresh acidity and sense of balance. Cheers