2022 Estate Petite Sirah

Estate grown

• Varieties:
  100% Petite Sirah
• Appellation:
  Paso Robles -Templeton Gap
• Average brix at harvest:
  24.5
• Vineyard:
  Estate
• Alcohol:
  13.9%
• Acidity:
  0.66g/100ml
• pH:
  3.53
• Residual sugar:
  0.01 g/100ml
• Date bottled:
  September 26, 2024
• Cases produced:
  308

Growing conditions:
Another drought year with our total rainfall reaching only 50% of normal. The moderate crop coupled with an extreme warm spell in the last half of August led to a divided harvest, some in early September with the balance in late October and early November yielding a moderate harvest with excellent quality.

Winemaking:
We crushed into the rotary fermentor, then added D-80 yeast 24 hours later. The must was rotated once hourly for 16 days prior to pressing. After malolactic fermentation, this wine was aged in French and American oak barrels for 24 months prior to bottling.

Tasting notes:
A delightful aroma profile best described as “spice rack” meets ripe plums. Fresh ground black pepper, bay leaf and clove predominate with rich plum notes in the background. This wine is a mouthful with an elegant sufficiency of tannins and toasty oak followed by an extended, rich finish.

Cellaring:
While enjoyable now, this intense Petite Sirah will continue to improve with proper cellaring for another 5-10 years in the bottle with a plateau of best drinkability from 2030-2036.

Food selection:
Best match for rare beef and most spicy fare! Rich, red, sauces, Cajun, and heavy continental dishes of all types are enhanced with this concentrated Petite Sirah.