Shannon Ridge, Lake County (California) Petite Sirah 2009

 Clay Shannon’s family were sheep farmers, which is how he ended up using sheep to tend his vineyards when labor shortages hit California. Okay, the sheep don’t do everything, but they do chew leaves off the lower parts of the vine without hurting the grapes because of their woolly-soft muzzles.  This is a sexy wine with the ripe black fruit you expect from Petite Sirah with a meaty, earthy aroma reminiscent of the garrigue of southern France. Tannins are thick on the finish, but soft enough that it doesn’t need more aging.  A restrained 14.3% alcohol.