Tasting notes
On the nose, this 2021 Petite Sirah reveals intriguing and complex aromas. With notes of a savory and meaty essence paired alongside a concentrated fruit scent offering a delightful blend of ripe and intense aromas. Spices add a layer of warmth, while hints of smoke weave through the glass. Upon tasting, the wine showcases a vibrant array of flavors. The forefront is dominated by luscious boysenberry, offering a burst of ripe and juicy fruit. Black licorice adds a touch of intrigue. The structure of this vintage showcases a solid framework that supports the wine's intensity. As it graces the palate, the wine lingers with persistence, leaving a lasting impression of its flavors and textures.
Technical information
Appellation
Napa Valley
Alcohol
14.9%
Winemaking
The Petite Sirah grapes were hand harvested in the cool of the early morning. At the winery, fruit is destemmed before fermentation in 100% stainless steel. Two weeks of skin contact imparted deep, beautiful color concentration and fruit character, as well as supple tannins. The wine was aged in a mix of French, 75%, Hungarian, 15%, and American 10% oak barrels for 16 months, providing an array of oak spices imparted by the characteristics of each barrel’s flavor profile.
Vintage
The 2021 growing season began early with abundant sunshine, leading to exceptionally high-quality fruit. Early rain followed by a lack of notable precipitation throughout the season created an ideal environment for our vineyards. Budbreak occurred in April, with flowering and blooming in May. Although the summer temperatures returned to normal, resulting in an early harvest, the lower yields due to drought conditions produced intensely flavored fruit with smaller berries. Harvest took place under clear skies from September to October, with some early rain. The grapes ripened optimally, allowing our winemakers to craft wines with fantastic character. These wines exhibit vibrant colors, intense aromas, perfect balance, and a lush profile highlighting the fruit.
Vineyard
Fruit for the 2021 vintage comes from the very northern tip of Napa Valley, originating from Beaulieu Vineyard Ranch 12 and Godward Vineyards in Calistoga. This area experiences strong diurnal temperature swings, with very hot days and nights cooled by fog from the Russian River Valley that funnels through the Chalk Hill gap. The Ranch #12 vineyard, with its warm mesoclimate and lean, well-drained soils, produces dark, deeply flavored fruit with exotic floral and spice characteristics. The Godward Vineyard is one of the northernmost vineyards on Highway 128 in the Calistoga A.V.A. before moving into Knight’s Valley. The expressive fruit brings ripe tannins and intense color.