2018 Petite Sirah
Somewhere in between deeply ruby-red, and inky dark purple, this head-turning 100% Petite Sirah shows
off its noble origins with nothing less than unencumbered soulfulness. Forward yet inviting, the nose
beckons to come hither, with suggestions of black fruit and licorice accompanied by wafts of violets,
lavender, and shaved cedar. The subsequent attack does not demur, giving way to heady hints of black
cherry, plum, baking spices, and sweet oak that in their combination, creates a weighty mouth that is
roundly satisfying. Fermented in stainless steel tanks, the wine is aged 18 months in 100% new French oak
puncheons. The end result is an ample, structured wine bearing silky tannins, balanced acidity and a sultry,
lingering finish. Notwithstanding our predilection for wine analogies gone-wild; we believe that when the
time comes to savor this selection; you cannot help but invoke a comparison to the legendary,
incomparable Aretha Franklin. Whether or not you end up identifying with Aretha’s exclamation to “…feel
like a natural woman”; we hope that you will join us to share in this acknowledgement.
Description
The marvelous Petite Sirah for this extraordinary wine hails from the historic Palisades Vineyard, located
directly below the high cliffs of the Palisades in a narrow riparian canyon, one mile north of the town of
Calistoga. Petite Sirah has been the dominant grape on the property since the vineyards were first
developed by Domenico Barberis, although the family grew other varietals as well. In approximately 1915,
Domenico built a winery on the site bonded as Bonded Winery No. 118. Domenico maintained his
bonded status until 1932, losing it 10 months before the end of Prohibition. The old winery still stands.
The Barberis family farmed the property until the early 1990s. Today, 11.3 acres of the old vine, head
trained Petite Sirah are dry farmed in the tradition of the original farm.
