Stanton Vineyards, St. Helena (Napa Valley, California) Petite Sirah 2015

 This is a pretty wild ride, but those jumping on Petite Sirah without expecting exactly that could stand to re-think this variety anyway.  Virtually opaque in color, with pigment extending all the way to the rim of the liquid, it offers a clear visual warning at the outset, and the aromas and flavors are very expressive, with all sorts of savory notes including toast and smoke and cured meat in addition to ripe blackberry fruit.  Tannins and wood are proportionally bold, and the wine is quite well balanced, on a very, very large frame.  A Double Gold award winner at the 2018 Toast of the Coast Wine Competition.