Charming aromas of huckleberry, Santa Rosa plum, and coffee grounds precede a sip rich in flavors of fresh blueberry pie, black peppercorn, and dark chocolate truffle. Smooth tannins linger along with notes of Morello cherry, black currant, and Tahitian vanilla bean. Displaying perfect acidity and balance, this makes the perfect pairing for homemade beef and wild boar lasagna or smoked beef short ribs.
Straddling the hills between the Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys, the Tombstone vineyard enjoys warm days and cool, breeze-filled nights. Petite Sirah loves the gravelly, well-drained soils of this rocky hillside estate vineyard. The soil’s heat retention also makes this vineyard ideal for extraordinary Zinfandel, which we blend into this Petite Sirah. Thanks to the region’s cooling coastal nighttime influence, grapes enjoy a lengthened “hang” time that cultivates intense flavors. The grapes were harvested by hand and fermented in stainless-steel tanks on its native yeast. After the fermentation finished, the wine went into French oak barrels to age for the next 18 months before being bottled unfined.
VINEYARD DETAILS
Soil profile: Pleasanton gravelly loam
Aspect: Western
Elevation: 800 feet
Year Planted: 1992
Clone: Heritage
Rootstock: St. George
Trellis: VSP
HARVEST October 2021
COMPOSITION 94% Petite Sirah, 6% Zinfandel
ANALYSES
pH 3.71
Acidity .62 grams/100 ml
Alcohol 14.8%
Sugar .01%
PRODUCTION 4 barrels
CELLARING Optimal storage temperature 55-60° F (13-16° C)
GOLD - 2024 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
