Reviews & Ratings

2005 Massena Petite Sirah "The Howling Dog"

Winery: Massena

Vintage: 2005

Wine Name/Vineyard: "The Howling Dog"

Wine Category: Petite Sirah

Grape blend: 100% Durif (Petite Syrah)

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Barossa Valley

State or country: Australia

Price: $50

Cases produced: 500

KWG Score: 93.3 (based on 3 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93.99-90)

Review date: January 6, 2008

Wine Review: Did you ever have a Petite Sirah from Australia? Me neither. So I was very much looking forward to trying this wine. The 2005 Massena "Howling Dog" Petite Sirah (also labeled Durif) is quite an opaque dark purple color. It opens with a spicy raspberry like bouquet with prominent notes of musty oak and earth. On the palate, this medium to full bodied wine is lush, juicy, well balanced, and displays explosive jammy berry like flavors with hints of spicy licorice. The finish is quite dry and very lengthy. This unique wine from down under would be a wonderful match with pot roast or beef stew. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: "Durif has been a favourite of ours for a long while due to its glass staining colour, rich heavy fruit flavours and the characteristic backbone of lush tannins. In fact, when people try this wine a faint howl may be heard as these tannins take hold of the mouth and linger on for minutes after." - Standish & Jaysen Collins

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Petite Sirah.