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 | 2005 Lava Cap Winery Petite Sirah El Dorado County Granite Hill Vineyard
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Ratings and Awards
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| | | Score | User | City | State | Country | Tasting Notes | Time |
| 75 | | | 93 | JaneGarvey | Atlanta | Georgia | USA | Petite Sirah, no kin to Syrah or Shiraz, is known as Durif in some parts of the world, notably Australia, where it’s grown (although in limited quantities) in Rutherglen, just north of Melbourne. A Rhône varietal, Petite Sirah has its enthusiastic advocates in California, whose old Italian vintners often called it “Pets.” Deep, dark, with spicy black fruits, it’s a long-lived varietal, with many examples easily clocking 10 years if well cellared. (And sometimes, as in my house, even when NOT well cellared.) This example easily has that potential. Its deep, delicious fruit and juicy tannins outline a tasty wine that, while still somewhat closed when first opened, has much to recommend it. An initial impression of raisined fruit and spice may indicate some Zinfandel blended in, although most of the spice would come from oak. Despite hefty alcohol (14.9%), the wine doesn’t register any heat. Ripe, rich and concentrated, but not clumsy, it would benefit from being decanted about a half hour before being served or consider using a Venturi aerator when pouring it into the decanter. Evolves quickly, acquiring some complexity and depth. Fruit, sweet oak, acidity, tannins are all nicely integrated. A frequent award winner in its genre. Serve moderately cool, about 65ºF/17ºC, in large tulip-shaped glasses. Foods: Coffee-and-chocolate-and-spice-coated lamb steak (good, too, on duck, pork loin, venison, elk); picadillo; rilletes made with pork or red meat; prime rib; mole poblano; braised red meat with some spice; mature cheeses; dark chocolate.
Continental Beverage | 12/01/2009 |
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