Ravenswood Petite Sirah

Ravenswood

Petite Sirah

Vintners Blend

2009

California

I'm willing to bet that  a lot of people don't know the difference between Syrah, Shiraz, and Petite Sirah.  It's all a bit confusing at first, I get that.  But nothing too complicated.

 

Like I've said many times before, Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape, BUT depending on where they are grown and the final characteristics, are labeled either as Syrah or Shiraz to be indicative of how they taste.  

Petite Sirah on the other hand is a cross between Syrah and Peloursin, a French varietal.  This cross resulted in a new smaller grape varietal.  And smaller grapes mean more skin and thus the ability to make a wine with higher tannins and acidity.  

Sounds good to me.

This Petite Sirah is the 2009 Ravenswood Vintners Blend out of California.  Ravenswood Winery prides themselves on making "No Wimpy Wines."  

Now that's a motto I like.

The 2009 Ravenswood Petite Sirah pours an inky, opaque dark purplish black.  Aromas are blueberry, blackberry, chocolate and spice.  Tasting brings a big, burly bouquet of plums, blueberries, cocoa, stone, earthy cigar notes, and a bit of stone, with moderate tannins.  

Like Layer Cake Wines, Ravenswood makes BIG, bold wines.  And this Petite Sirah is no exception.  The fact that Petite Sirah is a variety with small grapes allowing for more intense flavors is very evident here.  This is a powerful, in-your-face wine.  And that, I enjoy.  

This may not be everyone's type of wine, but for those that like them big and burly, drink up!

Drink This: if you want a powerful, robust dark red wine.

Don't Drink This: if you want a delicate wine.

Cheers!