2010 Napa Valley Petite Sirah – Collector’s Edition 1.5L

Description

Collector Edition magnums are only produced during our best vintage years and made in very limited quantities. This wine is bottled from our winemaker’s best new barrel of free run and exhibits exceptional aromatics and balance. This library wine benefits from additional 5 years of cellar aging. Our Collector magnums are bottled, signed and wax dipped by hand.

PLEASE CALL TO ORDER THIS WINE- QUANTITIES ARE LIMITED

Spring came with celebration and a sigh of relief in 2010 as long over due rains finally rush the creek and drench the thirsty vines in our Oak Knoll Petite Sirah vineyard. The season started late and was exceptionally cool. In a cool season the vines sleep later, fruit takes longer to ripen but like a slow braised roast; redolent, rich aromatic flavors develop that completely envelope the senses. The vintage is now considered one of the most difficult but also one of the best in several decades and created wines that will prove intrinsic age worthiness to those who wish to wait. The tepid spring delayed classic mile markers such as bud break, bloom but also veraison and unfortunately threatened to push harvest into the fall rain window. Having one of Napa’s most experienced vineyard managers on our team, Robert Jordan dove in to execute precision canopy management techniques at a very crucial time in the growing season.

Thinning the canopy selectively one leaf at a time lets more sunlight in where needed while leaving just enough shade to protect from a burn if mother nature throws a severe heat blitz, which she did, late in the season just as harvest was kicking off for the early varietals. Clusters showing any signs of burn were dropped to the ground and lucky for Petite, its’ thick skins protect from desiccation but also require more time to ripen. When the heat finally subsided, the grapes at the precipice of ripening were back in a happy state and closed their eyes to bask in the sliding sun just a little bit longer.

Harvest day came at sunrise on October 21st, 2010, just 3 days before the first of the heavy rains moved in. Ultimately the yields were down, our farming costs were painfully up but the quality is stellar and the flavors lush and multifarious. Stephanie Douglas, Vintner

100% Petite Sirah

Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley

15.1% ALC/VOL.

CA residents: Gov’t WARNING: Drinking distilled spirits,beer,coolers,wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy can cause birth defects. For more information go to www.P65warnings.ca.gov/alcohol