March 22, 2019 - There is nothing “petite” about this Petite Sirah. It looks, smells and tastes .... BIG. The glass becomes a black hole for all light. As light is captured, the glass releases distinct scents of blackberry jam, plum, crunchy black fruits, cedar, lavender, and coffee; maybe a bit of dusty rose. The tannins are no longer angular, but aren’t shy either. Simply a well crafted wine that is flexing its power with the pistons in perfect harmony. It made me wonder if I shouldn’t have held the wine for another 5 to 10 years. Damn tasty. Sediment? Oh, yes, and by the spoonful! 15.8% alc. With leftover beef meatball and assorted cheeses including gorgonzola. Recommended, but leaning heavily toward Highly Recommended.
May 13, 2016 - Decanted for one hour and consumed for the next 4+ hours. High toned nose has crushed blueberry and blackberry, some dark earth/creosote notes with some heat poking out too. Full bodied with more high toned black fruit. Quite polished with a burst of acidity (bordering on VA, but not quite) on the mid-palate. Tannins are there, but you really have to look for them lurking below the generous fruit. I found this a bit awkward -- the high toned fruit and awkward acidity were just not doing it for me. Doubt this gets much better.
February 21, 2016 - Great wine - drank over two days. Had great balance with fruit, mineral and acidity working well together.
March 17, 2014 - I agree with Mootsie's assessment as I too had it this weekend and enjoyed it over 3 hours on day one and finished the rest up on day 2.
Initially on day 1 it showed floral, black pepper and iron/blood notes coupled with blackberry with black pepper really showing on the palate. The finish seemed short early on and the tannin was smooth. It really didn't come together until it had 2-3 hours of air.
Day 2, the wine showed more like Laube's note on it and it lost the floral, pepper and iron notes which was too bad.
March 15, 2014 - Syrupy sweet at pop n pour. Developed some spice tones and tannins appeared with air. Simpler than I would have expected for a 9 year old wine. The '11 version of this wine is more complex and interesting. Who would have thought that a younger Petite would be the better wine?
Day 2 update. The sweetness is gone replaced by a wine with much depth and loaded with tannins. A very different wine on day 2. Up 2 points. Great QPR at $30.
November 23, 2012 - The wine is a very dark purple color, almost black. The very inviting nose has blackberries, blueberries, white pepper, baking spices, melted licorice, violets, and some dark chocolate. This is medium to full bodied with solid, ripe tannins and very good acidity. Ripe, juicy, spicy berries dominate the palate with some very nice licorice and dark chocolate coming through on the backend. The bright acidity and tannins keep the wine in check and actually makes it seem a bit lighter in body than the 15.8% alcohol lead me to expect. The wine has a long finish with the juicy berries and spices slowly fading. The alcohol is surprisingly well hidden with just a touch peeking through on the finish. An outstanding Petite Sirah that is drinking perfectly today but with enough acidity and tannins to easily cellar for several more years.
September 24, 2011 - Still aromatic, youthful and intense with a lovely resolving palate feel. Rich but not overly weighty or sweet.
April 25, 2011 - Very enjoyable. Everything was well-integrated and it's drinking well. Rich, lush fruit, black fruits, not over the top. Went great with porcini-crusted filets.
March 30, 2011 - Drank this on its third night open. Dense nose of blackberry, pie crust, blueberries and spices. Thought it was a bit too extracted for my tastes, but a well made wine. Can't imagine how this would have been on night 1.
December 31, 2010 - Popped and poured. I didn't take notes on this wine though it was thoroughly enjoyable and is drinking quite nicely.