A row of barrels in the Relic cave.

2019 Old Vines Petite Sirah

We are Back in Black with this seductress of a wine from the venerable old vines Alfred planted in 1939. The pebbly hillside Cortina soils provide a Petite Sirah of astonishingly fine tannins, complexity and depth, all the while maintaining the power we expect and cherish in Petite Sirah. Aromas of blackberry blossom, marionberries, hot rocks and Chinese 5-spice are on full display with a fine mineral backbone. 

  • 100% Petite Sirah
  • Planted by Alfred in 1939
  • Organic and dry farmed since the beginning
  • Incredibly rocky, volcanic, Cortina soils adjacent to the famed Eisele Vineyard on Pickett Road in Calistoga
  • Aged for 21 months in 25% new French Oak barrels
  • Unfined and unfiltered
  • 168 cases produced from 8 barrels
  • Music Pairing: Life is Good - Los Lobos

Reviews
Blackberry with gun powder and metal shavings with some ink. Medium- to full-bodied with firm tannins that give this a linear depth and length. Tight and attractive. Drink now.
James Suckling
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JamesSuckling.Com
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March 2023
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92
points