J. Lohr, Paso Robles (Central Coast, California) Petite Sirah 2020

 According to J. Lohr’s red winemaker Brenden Wood, Paso Robles rarely experiences late season rains, which enables the estate’s Petite Sirah “to be able to ripen until the seeds go from green to brown.”  This, he says, is key to managing what he describes as this grape’s “robust tannins.”  To further keep those tannins under control small amounts of Malbec, Grenache Blanc and Viognier have also been added to the blend.  I grumbled a bit at the exaggerated weight of the bottle, but once I poured some wine into a glass and inhaled its seductive perfume my mood improved.  Blueberry, blackberry and plum punctuated by suggestions of vanilla, plus a hint of black pepper with a touch of smoke in the background were welcome aromatics.  And yes, the tannins were very well behaved, adding subtle textural plasure to the overall experience.