The 2006 Petite Sirah, Thompson Vineyard - There is nothing petite about this wine. In its third vintage, this wine has incredible darkness, power, and purity of fruit. This wine is lower in acid and softer in mouth feel than earlier versions, yet it packs a wallop of fruit flavors. It has gobs of cherry-berry-dry and black fruit flavors, spice and licorice aromas, and a stick-to-your-lips quality. Two new French and two new American, plus 12 neutral barrels were used. (372 cases produced)
• This wine is 100% fruit from the David Thompson’s ranch in Los Alamos. It is a warmer, sandy-loam site which is farmed with distinction.
• Harvested October 31st at 26.0 brix and 3.55 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 French and two new American Oak, and twelve older barrels were used .
• Wine was racked in mid July, and again before bottling.
• Went through ML fermentation, completing in January.
• Sterile Filtered.
• Spicy and toasty aromas with dense, dark fruit on the taste. Loads of tannin – a HUGE wine.
• Received six months extra barrel aging.
• Bottled in March 2008.
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.