Aratas 2013 "Shake Ridge Ranch" Petite Sirah is grown on the high ridge lands of the Sierra Foothills. This is Amador County's most sought after vineyard.
Amador county is known for its hot dry climate but grower Ann Kraemer's spectacular Shake Ridge Ranch ranch is an undulating property climbing 1650' to 1800’ feet above sea level. Just two small lots within the 46 acres planted to vine produce a coveted amount of Petite Sirah for Aratas Wine. Both clones were obtained through the UC Davis Foundation services. They are noted for their exceptional clone true to the varietal.
Planted at this elevation, the vineyard experiences as much as a 50 degree diurnal temperature swing. When temps drop precipitously fast, the shift intensifies the sugars in the fruit and drives the acid upward as soon as the sun sets. The pulp of the berries is dense and concentrated. Unforgiving volcanic and granitic terrain is sprinkled with quartz and has dramatic slope. Ranging 10-28% the slope sheds rain fall therefore roots must dive deep to capture what they can. As a result, each tiny berry produced hangs rich and extremely full flavored.
The entire ranch from which the Aratas 2013 "Shake Ridge Ranch" Petite is farmed in a sustainable manner. Ann has developed a fertilization program in tandem with the UC Davis fermentation sciences department that includes fish emulsion, chicken feathers and other stinky but healthy things. She carefully selects organic compost and uses it sparingly to support natural growth. Cover crops are encouraged for erosion control and soil nutrition. Methods are used to manage attacking pests with their natural predators. Gentle netting before harvest helps to prevent birds from making a feast of the grapes.
2013 was an exceptional year. The 2013 Shake Ridge Petite Sirah reflects a glorious year of consistent temperatures and methodical vineyard practices matched by diligent wine making methods.
Vineyard management is extremely laborious at Shake Ridge Ranch. Grower Ann Kramer's management style requires each row be scrutinized vine by vine then pruned just at the precipice of bud break. Ann embarks on pruning mid-March, later than our Napa vineyard would typically experience, to protect in case of an early frost. The small berry Petite is oriented NE – SW to safely protect against burn yet maximizes exposure to ripening rays. Two lots of Petite are planted at varying elevations to take advantage of swells and crowns for temperature moderation. Before veraison, the team feeds the vines organic nutrients. Lagging clusters are thinned to give those remaining an additional energy boost needed to come to terms with the task at hand thus resulting in even ripening.
Our 2013 "Shake Ridge Ranch" Petite Sirah harvest commenced in the wee hours of October 10th as the temperature pendulum began to transfer its weight. Harvest on Shake Ridge Ranch is performed only at night, by the light of headlamps. It begins before sunrise so grapes may safely arrive at the crash pad well before the heat of the day.
100% Petite Sirah Root stock 101-14 / Clone PFS3 / Lots G & B-Lower
Hand harvest, Selectiv' Vision Optical Sort, 5 day cold soak, aged 27 mos in 50% New Hungarian Oak
Bottled unfiltered and unfined on native yeasts. Learn more about Petite Sirah Wine.
Harvest date Oct 10, 2013 14.9% Alc./Vol.
Winemaker, Matt Sunseri
Grower, Ann Kraemer
Vintner, Stephanie Douglas
MRP $68 (750ml) $150 (1.5L- limited)
Reviews
94 Points, "Double Gold", "Best in Show" American Fine Wine Competition
93 Points ~ Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Jim Gordon
92 Points ~ Wine Spectator, Tim Fish
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