My cousin Charles opened and decanted the bottle upon our arrival. We swirled it around in the decanter for around 20 minutes then started to taste. The nose was dark berries. The palate was blackberry, black cherry, plums, grilled meat and spice. The finish was moderate to long. Drinking very well at 20+ years of age.
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Lush, earthy nose of dark fruit, potting soil, cured meat, tree bark, saline, molasses, and black pepper, very well-balanced palate of crushed wild blueberry, plum sauce, and blackberry with notes of dark chocolate, leather, and pepper, with a suggestion of eucalyptus, well-integrated, fairly soft and round tannins finishing long. This continues to be a lovely example despite its 19 years in bottle.
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Wow. This was incredible. 15 + years ago I was a Switchback groupie with purple teeth. (Switchback petite was just so freaking concentrated that it was teeth staining.) Well, thanks to this bottle bought at auction, the 2002 Switchback petite sirah still tastes like it did ... 15+years ago. Incredibly delicious. Full bodied. Epic. Will last forever. Seriously - it tastes the same as it did @15+ years ago. Glad I still have another bottle of this timeless nectar!
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Voluptuous, spicy nose of dark fruit, damp forest floor, licorice, and baking spices, perfectly balanced palate of crushed blueberry, plum and blackberry sauce, secondary notes of dark chocolate, black pepper and vanilla, chewy tannins, lengthy finish. Fabulous with Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Grapes, Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Seared Brussel Sprouts.
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I can admit that stylistically this is a very well made Petite Sirah from one of my old school favorite producers. For me, though, it's just way too much of a beast. Black as night. Glycerin mouth feel. Nose of blackberries, coal and lots of alcohol for me. The palate is still massive and you can practically chew on the tannin. So big and ripe but again many will enjoy this more.
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This is a beautiful example of Petite Sirah. Well aged, smooth and soft tannins, great fruit still remaining. Seems like this wine will still be drinking nicely for a few more years.
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This Petite Sirah is the perfect example of how great Petite Sirah can be! Simply amazing, complex with lots of red and black fruit very little tannin left, low alcohol with a very nice medium finish. Amazingly balanced, just delicious.
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From a magnum. Decanted and drank over 90 minutes. Certainly showed best with the air. Deep plum layered with red fruit and spice. Has the depth of a Foley wine but does not seem hot in any way. This has a long life in front if it.
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Very shy wine at first open, nose was afraid to show itself, in the mouth black raspberries, a hint of pepper and some vanilla, but wow, absolutely no tannins. On day two the nose did open up (somewhat) with a provincial spicebox and black cherries. It did develop a few more tertiary characteristics (more spices, some red pepper) but overall it stayed the same. It's still very young for ten plus years, and as with most Foley wines, borderline in over the top fruitiness. Really good pedigree on these grapes, without a doubt.
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Wow, amazing. Our only bottle. Purchased from Margaux Singleton at Enoteca in Calistoga. And, will learn a lot more about Switchback Ridge. No flaws. No sediment. Mild rim variation. Wonderful nose. Dark, dark garnet and dark eggplant colors. Pours with the appearance of a Cabernet. Dark, dark berry nose. Some raspberry, espresso, and dark chocolate. Firm. Tight. Complex. No tannin. Low alcohol. Medium finish. Paired beautifully with smoked salmon and beet salad, with tomato caprese and burrata cheese salad, and mixed silver queen corn with purple hull (pink eye) peas. Just darn exceptional, and, probable deserves a 96. Perfectly drinkable, and, plenty of bottle life left. Here's a challenge: For those of you not rating this wine 95 or greater, think about it!
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From magnum. My first experience with a Petite Sirah of this age and hopefully not the last. Dark and shiny purple in color, not unlike a young Cru Beaujolais. Big fruit flavors of blackberry and perhaps cassis, with plenty of tannins and acid. There's a bit of alcohol heat here as well, so the 14.8% on the label might be a bit understated. In this format there's at least 10 years of life left in the wine. Excellent!
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Decanted for 1hr. Beautiful PS. Opulent but balanced w/good structure -has really evolved nicely over the years. Black fruit (boysenberry?)/chocolate/pepper. Enough tannins, acid and structure to age for at least for a few more years.
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Big. This ain't Chambolle but as much as I have grown to appreciate and respect Burgundy, I still love to hit the throttle and stain the glass. This drank fresh yet large, dark with plum, fresh dark berry, chocolate. Subtlety is not the word here: think berry and color. Has some structure too, moreso than the bottle in 2009. Really, no rush here but why wait? Put some chill on this, pull the cork and pair against big flavors or even a carrot cake! There is space in my cellar for Switchback and I will keep adding it. Reminds me that wine can express power.
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After a couple hours of decanting this wine still needed some time in the glass to be approachable. Definitely needs some food to soften the petite. I love the SBR petites and this is no exception. A very nice wine.
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We opened this, included a short breather in the decanter and then enjoyed about 90 mins later. I then returned the last couple ounces to bottle and used it for this TN. Dark, very dark, almost black. My impression last night was some heat but tasting the wine now, giving it a real strong swirl, there may be a hint there but not much (listed on bottle @ 14.8%) . A molten quality to the nose, iron. The palate, oh boy, dense, plush and ripe. Probably akin to what might be called syrupy but it comes off as more sexy and smooth. The molten quality carries through on the palate. If one could liquify rocks, infuse it with black fruit and then bottle it, here it is. As for 'age v. drink', I think it is fine now. Some acidity here but it's baked into the texture so let 'er rip. Got one left, will drink over the next 1-2 years. PS--I can see how this wine will turn off the old world styled drinker, those who prefer more elegance and subtlety. That is not this wine.
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I was very interested to try this since I recently made the list and got my first offering with the ’05 release. On pop and pour a strong whiff of cedar. The wine was as dark as night, really beautiful. In the mouth, a large scaled wine - big, chunky and lush blackberry without the unappealing fatness.
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A Powerhouse Petite Sirah Tasting (Cafe Esin, San Ramon, CA): Huge, extracted nose with menthol and dark fruit. Amazing fruit, well integrated. Nice mouthfeel and finish. "Killer". My number 1 and consensus group number 1 of the flight. Likely the wine of the night.
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6/2/2023 - markcic Likes this wine: 92 Points
My cousin Charles opened and decanted the bottle upon our arrival. We swirled it around in the decanter for around 20 minutes then started to taste. The nose was dark berries. The palate was blackberry, black cherry, plums, grilled meat and spice. The finish was moderate to long. Drinking very well at 20+ years of age.
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9/3/2021 - heyjon Likes this wine: 93 Points
Lush, earthy nose of dark fruit, potting soil, cured meat, tree bark, saline, molasses, and black pepper, very well-balanced palate of crushed wild blueberry, plum sauce, and blackberry with notes of dark chocolate, leather, and pepper, with a suggestion of eucalyptus, well-integrated, fairly soft and round tannins finishing long. This continues to be a lovely example despite its 19 years in bottle.
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5/11/2021 - kabert Likes this wine: 97 Points
Wow. This was incredible. 15 + years ago I was a Switchback groupie with purple teeth. (Switchback petite was just so freaking concentrated that it was teeth staining.) Well, thanks to this bottle bought at auction, the 2002 Switchback petite sirah still tastes like it did ... 15+years ago. Incredibly delicious. Full bodied. Epic. Will last forever. Seriously - it tastes the same as it did @15+ years ago. Glad I still have another bottle of this timeless nectar!
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1/9/2021 - heyjon Likes this wine: 93 Points
Voluptuous, spicy nose of dark fruit, damp forest floor, licorice, and baking spices, perfectly balanced palate of crushed blueberry, plum and blackberry sauce, secondary notes of dark chocolate, black pepper and vanilla, chewy tannins, lengthy finish. Fabulous with Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Grapes, Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Seared Brussel Sprouts.
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7/10/2020 - zinnut wrote: 95 Points
What a great example of a mature wine. Huge blackberry, soft tannins, mouth watering, delicious. My last bottle and I would drink this soon
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10/28/2019 - beezer6 wrote: 90 Points
I can admit that stylistically this is a very well made Petite Sirah from one of my old school favorite producers. For me, though, it's just way too much of a beast. Black as night. Glycerin mouth feel. Nose of blackberries, coal and lots of alcohol for me.
The palate is still massive and you can practically chew on the tannin. So big and ripe but again many will enjoy this more.
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6/13/2018 - FourCorks Likes this wine: 95 Points
Very nice!
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7/16/2016 - aaronfeigin Likes this wine: 93 Points
This is a beautiful example of Petite Sirah. Well aged, smooth and soft tannins, great fruit still remaining. Seems like this wine will still be drinking nicely for a few more years.
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5/14/2016 - aaronfeigin Likes this wine: 95 Points
This Petite Sirah is the perfect example of how great Petite Sirah can be! Simply amazing, complex with lots of red and black fruit very little tannin left, low alcohol with a very nice medium finish. Amazingly balanced, just delicious.
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10/17/2014 - PSUSteve Likes this wine: 93 Points
From a magnum. Decanted and drank over 90 minutes. Certainly showed best with the air. Deep plum layered with red fruit and spice. Has the depth of a Foley wine but does not seem hot in any way. This has a long life in front if it.
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8/27/2013 - Mr.Overhill wrote: 94 Points
Very shy wine at first open, nose was afraid to show itself, in the mouth black raspberries, a hint of pepper and some vanilla, but wow, absolutely no tannins. On day two the nose did open up (somewhat) with a provincial spicebox and black cherries. It did develop a few more tertiary characteristics (more spices, some red pepper) but overall it stayed the same. It's still very young for ten plus years, and as with most Foley wines, borderline in over the top fruitiness. Really good pedigree on these grapes, without a doubt.
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6/28/2013 - Mark H. LeQuire wrote: 95 Points
Wow, amazing. Our only bottle. Purchased from Margaux Singleton at Enoteca in Calistoga. And, will learn a lot more about Switchback Ridge. No flaws. No sediment. Mild rim variation. Wonderful nose. Dark, dark garnet and dark eggplant colors. Pours with the appearance of a Cabernet. Dark, dark berry nose. Some raspberry, espresso, and dark chocolate. Firm. Tight. Complex. No tannin. Low alcohol. Medium finish. Paired beautifully with smoked salmon and beet salad, with tomato caprese and burrata cheese salad, and mixed silver queen corn with purple hull (pink eye) peas. Just darn exceptional, and, probable deserves a 96. Perfectly drinkable, and, plenty of bottle life left.
Here's a challenge: For those of you not rating this wine 95 or greater, think about it!
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6/1/2013 - Border Boss Likes this wine: 94 Points
From magnum. My first experience with a Petite Sirah of this age and hopefully not the last. Dark and shiny purple in color, not unlike a young Cru Beaujolais. Big fruit flavors of blackberry and perhaps cassis, with plenty of tannins and acid. There's a bit of alcohol heat here as well, so the 14.8% on the label might be a bit understated. In this format there's at least 10 years of life left in the wine. Excellent!
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5/7/2013 - krick Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decanted for 1hr. Beautiful PS. Opulent but balanced w/good structure -has really evolved nicely over the years. Black fruit (boysenberry?)/chocolate/pepper. Enough tannins, acid and structure to age for at least for a few more years.
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10/1/2011 - Johann Von Mastiff wrote: 92 Points
Sure this is not Chinon or Volnay, but this is fun stuff. Big and inky. Have not had this wine in long time and I like it.
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8/21/2011 - jmprtt06 wrote:
YMMMM, a fabulous wine just coming into its own.
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6/26/2011 - Frank Murray III wrote:
Big. This ain't Chambolle but as much as I have grown to appreciate and respect Burgundy, I still love to hit the throttle and stain the glass. This drank fresh yet large, dark with plum, fresh dark berry, chocolate. Subtlety is not the word here: think berry and color. Has some structure too, moreso than the bottle in 2009. Really, no rush here but why wait? Put some chill on this, pull the cork and pair against big flavors or even a carrot cake! There is space in my cellar for Switchback and I will keep adding it. Reminds me that wine can express power.
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9/23/2010 - Screameagle wrote: 90 Points
After a couple hours of decanting this wine still needed some time in the glass to be approachable. Definitely needs some food to soften the petite. I love the SBR petites and this is no exception. A very nice wine.
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11/24/2009 - LoireFan wrote:
Spoofilation personified! A gloopy, syrupy undrinkable wine. My father-in-law loved it. Serve cold I say!
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11/23/2009 - Frank Murray III wrote:
We opened this, included a short breather in the decanter and then enjoyed about 90 mins later. I then returned the last couple ounces to bottle and used it for this TN. Dark, very dark, almost black. My impression last night was some heat but tasting the wine now, giving it a real strong swirl, there may be a hint there but not much (listed on bottle @ 14.8%) . A molten quality to the nose, iron. The palate, oh boy, dense, plush and ripe. Probably akin to what might be called syrupy but it comes off as more sexy and smooth. The molten quality carries through on the palate. If one could liquify rocks, infuse it with black fruit and then bottle it, here it is. As for 'age v. drink', I think it is fine now. Some acidity here but it's baked into the texture so let 'er rip. Got one left, will drink over the next 1-2 years. PS--I can see how this wine will turn off the old world styled drinker, those who prefer more elegance and subtlety. That is not this wine.
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12/11/2008 - LoireFan wrote: 91 Points
Big, a bit fun, but a one glass wine for me. Others will score much higher.
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7/28/2008 - bubbachumps wrote: 91 Points
I was very interested to try this since I recently made the list and got my first offering with the ’05 release. On pop and pour a strong whiff of cedar. The wine was as dark as night, really beautiful. In the mouth, a large scaled wine - big, chunky and lush blackberry without the unappealing fatness.
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1/26/2008 - LoireFan wrote: 89 Points
Massive. Other's would score this higher. Not my style.
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10/10/2006 - PatLee wrote:
A Powerhouse Petite Sirah Tasting (Cafe Esin, San Ramon, CA): Huge, extracted nose with menthol and dark fruit. Amazing fruit, well integrated. Nice mouthfeel and finish. "Killer". My number 1 and consensus group number 1 of the flight. Likely the wine of the night.
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