2004 Thompson Vineyard Petite Sirah - There is nothing petite about this wine. Like its sister, Thompson Vineyard Syrah, it has incredible darkness, fruit and power. But this is a MUCH BIGGER wine than syrah. It has gobs of cherry-berry-red and black fruit flavors, spice and licorice aromas, and a stick-to-your-lips quality . Two new and six older French barrels were used (200 cases produced – very limited)
• This wine is 100% Syrah fruit from the David Thompson’s ranch in Los Alamos. It is a warmer, sandy-loam site which is farmed with distinction.
• Harvested October 1 at 26.2 brix and 3.6 pH.
• The fruit was stemmed but not crushed. Intact, whole berries were placed in small bin boxes for fermentation.
• Fermented on the skins for 14 days after a 48 hour cold soak.
• RC212, D254, and W.S. yeast used.
• Two new and six older French barrels were used .
• Wine was racked in mid June, and again before bottling.
• Went through ML fermentation, completing in January.
• Unfined and lightly filtered.
• Spicy and toasty aromas with dense, dark fruit on the taste. Loads of tannin – a HUGE wine.
• Bottled in August 2004.
Food Pairing: This is a highly flavored wine which works well with similarly flavorful food. Try dark sauces, even some with dark fruit. Makes a great reduction sauce. Try spiced or BBQ pork, lamb, or beef. Slow roasted short-ribs in syrah reduction cannot be beat. Seared, spiced Ahi is a favorite, as is smoked salmon.