Ragtag Wine Co., Paso Robles, El Pomar District (Central Coast, California) Petite Sirah 2017

  A sub-AVA approved in 2014, El Pomar is now home to 2,000 acres of vines, mostly red.  Though the majority are Bordeaux varieties, Petite Sirah is grown here and made by several wineries.  Ragtag made 118 cases in 2017, and is selling it direct or through wine clubs.  Packaged in one of those over-the-top heavyweight bottles, this wine is unabashedly big and bold.  Inky dark, it starts out with ripe blackberry, cassis and mocha, but then over time with aeration settles down and appeals with generous ripe black fruit flavors, baking spices, a touch of tobacco and moderate tannins.  Fans of Petite Sirah will not be disappointed.  Drink now or hold for several years.  Note that it throws a heavy deposit and should be decanted.