A dark side expression of Petite Sirah, which is dark to begin with, of course. The key here is the avoidance of the extreme end of the tannin profile that often shows itself in young examples. Using inner stave techniques that allow for pinpoint control of oak spice, winemaker Robert Pepi achieves balance of fruit, oak char and pepper notes that makes for a very attractive wine. It’s young, and will certainly benefit from some time in the bottle, but it’s great right now as a pair for a pepper steak or roast wild boar.
Two Angels, Red Hills, Lake County (California) Petite Sirah 2017
By Rich Cook