This wine is what Relic is all about! The Frediani family, who farms these grapes, has been in Calistoga for four generations, and Al, of the 2nd generation, still farms them in this famous corner of the Napa Valley. Working with Al has taught us so much about the history of Napa. In almost every other corner of the Valley, the once prolific Petite Sirah has been pulled out systematically to plant Cabernet Sauvignon. These old vines, 100% organic, 100% dry farmed, which Al planted with his father when he returned from WW II, produce a wine with a blast of rich dark fruit and spice, as well as a copious array of floral aromatics. The long growing season of 2010 has provided more spice and lift, while the lush, palate-staining mouthfeel and long finish remain signifiers of the impressive vine age.
Grown by Al Frediani at his dry-farmed, organic vineyard in Calistoga - on vines he planted in the 1940's - this wine uses the California sun to its benefit, warming the fruit toward a powerful balance with petite's brutal young tannins. The fruit and tannins integrate with air, their combination a delicious black juice of the earth, mineral and mouthwatering. Built to cellar for ten year or more, this is a Napa Valley classic.
Bright ruby. Blackberry, blueberry and violet on the nose; a distinctly floral rather than peppery version of petite sirah. Elegant and nicely delineated, with very good acidity energizing the dark berry flavors. Finishes with serious tannic clout but also very good lift. From the Al Frediani vineyard just to the east of Araujo Estate.
