10 Stylish California Reds
The under-the-radar Petite Sirah grape can make outstanding big wines as well as offer exceptional value.
MaryAnn Worobiec
A descendant of the Syrah and Peloursin grapes, Petite Sirah was introduced to California in the 1880s. The more common style of Petite Sirah is big and brawny, like either of the JC Cellars versions reviewed here. Both of them carry massive weight, but have balance and subtlety and a range of flavors. Read More...
JC CELLARS Petite Sirah Mendocino County Eaglepoint Ranch 2007 Score: 93 | $45
Shows wonderful rich espresso, toffee and chicory notes, with chewy tannins and dark, ripe huckleberry, cassis, blackberry and licorice flavors. A dense, sink-your-teeth-into-it Petite, with wonderful concentration, detail and length. Drink now through 2015. 249 cases made. —M.W. (Not Yet Released)
JC CELLARS Petite Sirah Russian River Valley Sweetwater Springs Vineyard 2007 Score: 92 | $35
Dark and deep, showing baked earth aromatics and heavily concentrated black fruit and cassis flavors, with hints of spicy sasparilla and tobacco notes. A wall of dense tannins provides incredible structure, yet this maintains a terrific sense of balance, gaining momentum on the finish. Drink now through 2017. 79 cases made. —M.W. Read More...
