Eighty Four Wines
Napa Valley Petite Sirah
Napa Valley, California, USA
A project between Doug Shafer and Elias Fernandez. I think I’ve had this for at least five years and have never known the ideal time to open it. I don’t drink much petite sirah, but when TX barbecue is the food on the table, I figured this would work, and it did.
48 months in barrel! Inky in the glass with aromatics of potpurri, fresh squeezed dark berries, mixed berry cobbler, and espresso. Expecting a brash profile on the palate, I was greeted by a rather tame (albeit juicy) style which had great mid-palate depth. Freshly squeezed raspberries, black raspberries, blueberries, red and black currant, hint of peppered rhubarb and dark chocolate. Compared to other PS wines I’ve enjoyed (Switchback Ridge, Vincent Arroyo) this is less chocolate and spice driven, but the juicy and rich mid palate is there in spades. Oak tannin at the finish but not harsh. Paired really well with TX brisket and sauce. Seems to be in a good window now, but PS always seems to me like it can hold for a while, so no rush.
A project between Doug Shafer and Elias Fernandez. I think I’ve had this for at least five years and have never known the ideal time to open it. I don’t drink much petite sirah, but when TX barbecue is the food on the table, I figured this would work, and it did.
48 months in barrel! Inky in the glass with aromatics of potpurri, fresh squeezed dark berries, mixed berry cobbler, and espresso. Expecting a brash profile on the palate, I was greeted by a rather tame (albeit juicy) style which had great mid-palate depth. Freshly squeezed raspberries, black raspberries, blueberries, red and black currant, hint of peppered rhubarb and dark chocolate. Compared to other PS wines I’ve enjoyed (Switchback Ridge, Vincent Arroyo) this is less chocolate and spice driven, but the juicy and rich mid palate is there in spades. Oak tannin at the finish but not harsh. Paired really well with TX brisket and sauce. Seems to be in a good window now, but PS always seems to me like it can hold for a while, so no rush.
This is a wine from the Shafer team. Petit Sirah is such an under loved grape. Cherry, leather, licorice and spice. Velvety in texture with plush tannins. Would have been perfect with a barbecued burger.
This is a wine from the Shafer team. Petit Sirah is such an under loved grape. Cherry, leather, licorice and spice. Velvety in texture with plush tannins. Would have been perfect with a barbecued burger.
May 1st, 2018Blackberry pie, licorice and leather. Super dark purple.
Blackberry pie, licorice and leather. Super dark purple.
1 person found it helpfulSep 8th, 2018
I’ve been reading a lot of reviews that talk about ”hints of licorice” and today I finally found a wine I can use this description for. I’m not overwhelmed by the wine so much as the opportunity to use the descriptor. 🤷🏻♀️
I’ve been reading a lot of reviews that talk about ”hints of licorice” and today I finally found a wine I can use this description for. I’m not overwhelmed by the wine so much as the opportunity to use the descriptor. 🤷🏻♀️
1 person found it helpfulMay 1st, 2018A group of guys decided to meet up at our Wine Storage facility and bust out some unique bottles! Scores and notes to follow!
The best of the 3 Petite Sirahs opened tonight. The fruit on this '09 was absurd. This is a Shafer project, and when their Relentless dwindled in Petite sirah make up, it became this. This is a big medley of blue and black fruits, licorice, sweet tarts and vanilla. Best petite sirah to date easily. Thanks Bill!
A group of guys decided to meet up at our Wine Storage facility and bust out some unique bottles! Scores and notes to follow!
The best of the 3 Petite Sirahs opened tonight. The fruit on this '09 was absurd. This is a Shafer project, and when their Relentless dwindled in Petite sirah make up, it became this. This is a big medley of blue and black fruits, licorice, sweet tarts and vanilla. Best petite sirah to date easily. Thanks Bill!
Jammy, dark fruits. Tannins turn a bit harsh on the end. I'd wait to see if they soften. Will try again tomorrow.
Jammy, dark fruits. Tannins turn a bit harsh on the end. I'd wait to see if they soften. Will try again tomorrow.
Nov 6th, 2015
Quite nice. Usual dark berry fruit, nice vanilla and a little leather.
Quite nice. Usual dark berry fruit, nice vanilla and a little leather.
Apr 9th, 2015Black fruit, blue fruit, bramble, cocoa powder and olive brine.
Black fruit, blue fruit, bramble, cocoa powder and olive brine.
Nov 20th, 2023
Lovely, but probably couldn't have more than two glasses
Lovely, but probably couldn't have more than two glasses
Apr 8th, 2023