Vineyards
Fruit for the Estate Petite Sirah, is sourced 100% from the Clos LaChance Estate Vineyard in San Martin. The 150-acre Estate Vineyard was planted in 1999-2000. Nearly 20 varietals were planted, along with 60 separate clones—providing our winemaker with a spice rack of blending wines. Hot sunny days throughout the growing season, coupled with cool ocean breezes in the evenings, allow for increased grape hang-time and the further development of flavors and complexities. Computerized vineyard maintenance and data recording systems (weather stations, leaf and soil sensors, automated irrigation and fergitation) were also installed onsite, ensuring the highest quality fruit possible.
Winemaking
The petite sirah grapes were hand-harvested, hand-sorted and destemmed to a closed top stainless steel tank. Fermentation was initiated after a 48-hour cold soak. The must was pumped over 3 times per day throughout the peak of fermentation. After primary fermentation was complete, the wine was drained, pressed to tank, then racked to barrel to complete malolactic fermentation. This wine was aged for 18 months on 60% new French oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes
Inky, dark opaque purple with a ruby rim. Rich chocolate, plums and blackberries on the nose, with raspberries, vanilla and spice. This is a wine not for the faint of heart. Big fruit is balanced by chewy tannins and a healthy dose of acid. The fruit stands out−baked blackberries and a little blueberry. A spicy finish. This wine begs for rich, hearty meals. Try it with a lasagne or steak au poivre.
