Petite Sirah Tasting Results

Working with Jo Diaz from PS I Love You, we recently put together a blind tasting of 15 Petite Sirahs.  I have highlighted below the winners from this blind tasting along with a few other gems that I have covered since my last report on this wonderful, yet under appreciated grape.

We start with two of the gems that I covered outside of the big tasting. They are both top notch and worth seeking out if you are looking to try the pinnacle of what this grape can offer.

The first offering is from Robert Foley.  His 2007 Petite Sirah is Excellent and defines what can be done with this grape.  Bob is clearly one of the leading winemakers in this space.  He has been doing a fantastic job with this grape for years.  This wine is medium-bodied, very well balanced, and smooth as silk.  Its flavor profile is a very tasty black raspberry with notes of licorice.  There were also some hints of blueberry and mild oak in the background to add to its complexity.  I found this Petite Sirah to have an incredible mouthfeel.  We scored this wine 94 points.  However, it does cost $60 per bottle, so you will need to make an investment.  Trust me, you will be rewarded.  For passionate Petite Sirah fans, this wine is a must try.  Pair it with filet mignon and serve it to a friend who will equally appreciate the experience.

I met Aaron Jackson at the Boston Wine Expo this year and I had the pleasure of reviewing his signature Petite Sirah “Aaron”,as well as his entry level Petite Sirah labeled “Swell.”  The Aaron is suburb (92 points) and the Swell is Very Good (89).  Aaron makes Petite Sirah and only Petite Sirah.  Let me tell you, he knows what he is doing.  This kid is going to be a player in this space for years to come.  You must check out his wines.  The 2006 “Aaron” Petite Sirah for $28rocks and was clearly one of the top Petite Sirahs I covered this year.  It is full-bodied, very nicely balanced, and quite smooth.  The flavor profile is a delicious blend of black raspberry and blackberry.  Its refined tannins are very nicely prolonged and make this gorgeous Petite Sirah another perfect offering to consider with a filet mignon.  It appears to be sold out at the winery and the only place I saw it available on the web is at Le Maison Gourmet Cheese Shop.  So you better hurry. The 2007 “Swell” was full-bodied, balanced, and quite juicy.  It displays very tasty ripe and concentrated black raspberry flavors with notes of black pepper throughout.  It is a fun and friendly Petite Sirah for $18.  It has 5% Zinfandel and 4% Syrah in the mix.  It would pair perfectly with a messy rack of ribs. This also appears to be sold out, so look for the 2008 release.  I am sure it will be Very Good.

Now to the results of our big blind tasting.  The winner was from a winery racking up quite a few wins with us this year.  The 2008 Chronic Cellars “Suite Petite” for $30 was very well received.  The panel awarded it 91 points.  This almost pitch black colored wine is full-bodied, balanced, and quite dense.  We loved its juicy black currant and boysenberry flavors with notes of black pepper and chocolate covered black cherries in the aftertaste.  The panel suggested herb encrusted Colorado rack of lamb with this one.

Next up is the Miro 2007 Petite Sirah for $23.  This is the second vintage in a row that we have recommended this wine.  This vintage earned 90 points from the panel.  This offering is medium-bodied, balanced, very fruit forward and juicy.  I personally loved its very tasty blueberry flavors with hints of vanilla and a dash of black pepper.  The panel suggested pairing this one with a Steak Diane followed by a big hunk of German chocolate cake.  Also, while on the Miro bandwagon, if you come across the 2006 vintage, be sure to pick up a bottle.  I gave it 91 points this winter.

Our third place finisher also received 90 points from the panel.  The 2006 Parducci “True Grit” Petite Sirah for $30 lives up to its name.  On the palate, this wine is medium-bodied, balanced, and smooth with tasty black cherry flavors with hints of plum and black licorice and a dash of black pepper.  It’s the finish that shows its “True Grit.”  Its big tannins are quite dry and linger for a while afterwards.  Grill up a ribeye and enjoy.

Below are the remaining Very Good Petite Sirahs that you should consider.  I will give you a teaser on each.

Four Vines 2007 Petite Sirah “Paso Robles” (CA) $18 (89)
People who like Four Vines Zins will like this Petite Sirah from Four Vines. It is very fruit forward and shows ripe black raspberry flavors with a hint of black pepper and black cherry.

Victor Hugo 2007 Petite Sirah (Paso Robles, CA) $22 (89)
This wine just missed the 90 point mark. It is full-bodied, balanced, and soft with very tasty ripe blackberry flavors with notes of black licorice. Its finish is quite dry.

Vina Robles 2007 Petite Sirah “Jardine”(Paso Robles, CA) $26 (89)
Smooth with ripe plum flavors and a touch of black raspberry and coffee.  Panel suggested pairing this wine with a ribeye with sautéed mushrooms to tame the tannins.

Kokomo 2007 Petite Sirah (Dry Creek Valley, CA) $27 (89)
This Petite Sirah is a fruit bomb. It is fruit forward and displays juicy boysenberry and black raspberry flavors with a hint of black pepper and black currant.

Pedroncelli 2007 Petite Sirah (Dry Creek Valley, CA) $15 (88)
This good value Petite Sirah is medium-bodied, balanced, and soft.  We liked its gentle plum and oak flavors with a touch of chocolate mixed in.  Its tannins are sticky and lengthy.

Concannon 2007 Petite Sirah “Conservancy” (Livermore Valley, CA) $14 (87)
This entry level offering is a nice affordable option and a good introduction to the grape.  The panel suggested pairing it with a big juicy burger or sausage with peppers.

 I hope you get a chance to try some of these wines.  Petite Sirah is such a great grape! It will be enjoyable for the cool fall nights coming up.  Happy Tasting.  Cheers – Ken