Stark Sips: 2008 Quivira Petite Sirah, Sonoma (88 pts $26)
Zombie rules apply.
2008 Quivira Vineyards and Winery Petite Sirah, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma
Purple will flow.
Like Quivira winemaker Hugh Chappelle suggests, this Petite Sirah could use another twelve to eighteen months in the bottle to “fully blossom.” Still, I found this to be a solid representation of what this grape is capable of producing.
Warning: Zombie rules apply (Insta-Zombie: Concannon Petite Sirah packs flavor, ink).
Petite Sirah is not a date wine, unless you like purple teeth. But that’s largely why I like it; bold, lots of blackberry and espresso. And there’s a nice structure thanks to the acidity which never results in — over-used expression alert – flabbiness, that juice-like quality that results from lack of tannins.
Another common expression: chewy. When I think of this Quivira, I think chewy. The wine coats your teeth. You might also call it velvety. It’s definitely not a spectator sport, but it’s why I really enjoy Petite Sirah. For many palettes I’m guessing it’s too much, hence the sales challenge in the US of this variety.
Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma is a good place to start when you’re looking for a good Petite Sirah. A boutique winery (just 417 cases of this ’08 were produced), this Quivira might be a challenge to find (start on their web site), but it’s well worth seeking out.
2008 Quivira Petite Sirah
Quivira Vineyards and Winery
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Alc. 15.4%
18 months in French and American Oak
417 cases
88 pts.
$26
www.quivirawine.com
