2017 Petite Sirah, Rocha Vineyard
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Big and busty
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If purple had a flavor…
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Dark fruit notes with a lot of substance
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Put on your jammies, get in your Lazyboy and bring the whole bottle, not just a glass
Petite Sirah can be harsh and tannic. This one is velvet and lace; the dark color, depth of flavor, hints of blackberry, blueberry, licorice and spicy notes of coffee and caramel from the oak are compelling. If the color purple has a flavor this is it!
The history of Petite Sirah dates to the 1860s in France. The French botanist François Durif cross-pollinated the grapes known as Syrah and Peloursin and discovered a new variety we now know as Petite Sirah. However, it is not legally recognized in France as a Rhone varietal. Too bad for them.
That said, this wine was grown in Lodi, in the Clements Hills AVA. The soil is fertile, and the climate is warmer and wetter than west side vineyards, but soil types are more variable. Heavy rain dominated the early months of 2017 but improved vine health, and the growing season progressed smoothly. Heat spikes stalled fruit development, but the grapes did not suffer heat damage. If mis-managed, vineyards in this area will produce thin and watery wine, which this one is not. The harvest result was very beautiful, top-quality fruit with well-developed flavor and concentration.
GROWER: GERARDO ESPINOSA
VINEYARD: ROCHA VINEYARD
APPELLATION: CLEMENTS HILLS – LODI
LOCATION: SOUTH OF LOCKEFORD, NEAR E BRANDT RD AND N JACK TONE RD
WINEMAKER: LAYNE MONTGOMERY
ALC: 14.5%
pH: 3.67
TA: 5.4 g/L
RS: 1.3 g/L
HARVEST DATE: SEPTEMBER 9, 2017
LENGTH OF FERMENTATION: 9 DAYS
YEAST: CLOS MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: VP-41
OAK: 10% NEW AMERICAN, 10% NEW FRENCH, 50% TWICE-USED FRENCH, REMAINDER 3x USED OAK
COMPOSITION: 98% PETITE SIRAH, 2% ZINFANDEL
BOTTLING DATE: MAY 8, 2019
RETAIL:
RELEASE:
QTY: 331 CASES PRODUCED
