Santa Rita, Alto-Jahuel (Maipo Valley, Chile) Petite Sirah 2010

Petite Sirah wines from California are uncommon these days, but a Petite Sirah from Chile is downright rare.  This wine comes from a five-acre vineyard where Petite Sirah grapes were field-grafted fifteen years ago, and where the grapes grow on a “pergola” overhead trellis system.  Blended from 85 percent Petite Sirah and 15 percent Syrah, this wine is full-bodied and remarkably smooth and supple.  The grape’s characteristic tannin is in fact present; it shows itself as a gripping contrast to the wine’s ripe, rich flavorful fruit, and it is not intrusive.  Aromas and flavors included blackberry, smoke, spices, and dark chocolate — lots of flavor, intense but also nuanced.  In the long finish, these flavors hold strong.  More than a curiosity, this is a very good wine.