Petite Sirah seems a strange addition to the portfolio of white Bordeaux lovers, but when a vineyard next to their Sauvignon Blanc vineyard became available, the Cockerells snapped it up. The fruit is concentrated blackberry and plum with savory and spicy highlights. It is powerful as you would expect from this grape, but the zesty acidity keeps it vivid and lively. Tannins are solid and need more time to integrate. This is a statuesque and stately wine to serve with a juicy rare steak.
Cockerell Family Estates, Napa Valley (California) Petite Sirah 2010
By Rebecca Murphy