As I've said before, there is nothing "petite" about Petite Sirah. This is a grape that produces big, blowsy wines with intense fruit flavors and a lushness that stands up to almost anything you throw at it--grilled steaks, hamburgers, chili, stew, and summer's favorite BBQ.Finding a Petite Sirah for under $20 that doesn't tend towards the cough syrup side of the spectrum, however, can be a bit of a challenge. Lush is good, but syrupy is not.
If you like big, bold reds give one of these beauties a try.
2007 Concannon Vineyard Petite Sirah Conservancy Livermore Valley (suggested retail $15; available from $13) This is a dark and brooding Petite Sirah with plum and black cherry notes in the aromas. Your first sips will confirm that impression, but in the aftertaste the flavors linger and turn darker with a tarry edge that keeps the wine interesting. Very good QPR.
2008 Dancing Coyote Petite Sirah ($10.99) This steal from Clarksburg has terrific varietal characteristics and is a bit lighter on its feet than many Petite Sirah. I loved the black cherry, mocha, and roast coffee aromas and flavors and the balance between fruit and acidity in the wine. The aftertaste was nicely spicy, as well. Excellent QPR.
Full Disclosure: I received these wines as samples.
3 comments:
Other great petites under $20 include:
* 7 Artisans (2007 -- about $18 -- Suisun Valley) -- get in touch with Jeff Miller and he'll probably provide samPleS
* Line 39 (2008?) - about $10-13
* The Crusher 2008 (by Sebastiani) -- about $10-13.
Thanks for the additional recommendations, Loweel!
Another great Petite Syrah is L.A. Cetto Petite Syrah. It took the Silver Medal in the 2009 Taster Guild competition. An INSANE value for the price (about $10-13).
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