Carol Shelton, Rockpile (Sonoma County, California) Petite Sirah 2018

 Petite Sirah is notorious as a BIG red wine.  Carol Shelton’s 2018 Rockpile Reserve Petite Sirah lives up to the grape’s reputation.  Deeply colored, the nose bursts with juicy black plum and blackberry fruits interwoven with violet-floral tones, subtle herbs plus vanilla and baking spices.  On the palate, it envelops the tongue with layers of plum, black cherry and blackberry fruits.  This fruit extravaganza is enhanced by hints of vanilla, nutmeg, mint and violets.  It’s an impressive red that will age well for 5 to 8 years.