The Oliveto family of Sierra Foothills beer distribution fame purchased this winery in early 2010 with an eye on restoring the brand status to the high quality value leader that it became known as during the 1980’s. They brought back long time winemaker Chuck Hovey, who made some stellar wines for Stevenot over the years (his 2000 Tempranillo stands out in my mind as a memorable bottling) but left to start his own label, Hovey Wines, in 2007. This Petite Sirah is but one on a roster of solid values. It features deep mixed berry fruit with notes of saddle and fennel, with firm but approachable tannins and a long rich finish much more refined that your average Petite Sirah. If you’re in the Foothills area, don’t neglect Calaveras County. There are some good things happening there — and Stevenot is certainly one of those things.
Stevenot Winery, Sierra Foothills (California) Petite Sirah 2011
By Rich Cook