2012 RUTHERFORD DUST PETITE SYRAH

After a few years of producing just 22 cases a year from one barrel, a few acres of Petite Syrah were planted on the property where I was raised in Rutherford, the heart of Napa Valley. Over the years this property has grown walnuts and other varieties of winegrapes, but we see the Petite Syrah, as well as our Zinfandel, as a perfect fit for this part of Napa Valley. We planted vines from a field selection of budwood that had been growing in my Uncle Danny’s St. Helena vineyard since 1906 and it yields a crop of small berry, intensely colored and flavored grapes for this single-vineyard, organically grown wine.

Following the 2011 vintage, the growing season in 2012 was very favorable to most vineyards in Napa Valley and this wine is an expression of a great vintage. Intensely aromatic of violets, blueberry, orange blossoms, baking spices, vanilla and caramel along with a soft touch of oak toast. Sweet flavors of blueberry and wild berry syrups are followed by a very powerful mouthfeel. The lingering tannin and oak contribution enhance the thick, rich finish that we love to pair with wood fired dishes from our pizza oven as well as dark chocolate desserts. A great example of one of the boldest varieties grown in Napa Valley.

100% RUTHERFORD AVA, NAPA VALLEY PETITE SYRAH, CCOF CERTIFIED ORGANICALLY GROWN HARVEST INFORMATION:

Harvest Dates: October 13, 2012

COOPERAGE:

Barrel Aged 25 Months 78% New French Oak Bottled January 22, 2015 477 cases

TECHNICAL DATA:

Alcohol: 14.4% pH: 3.86
TA: 5.8 g/L