2018 PETITE SIRAH

This special wine comes from the oldest vines on our home estate, Wine Creek Ranch. They were planted in the early- to mid-1970s in the traditional style of the time as Head Trained, Spur Pruned. Known simply as Block 9, these vines over the passing decades have been lovingly nurtured and, when Mother Nature looks kindly on us, we produce a limited amount of this offering.

WINEMAKING NOTES
Picking by hand occurred at daybreak, followed by both field sorting and then sorting again at the winery. After gentle destemming, with no crushing or pumping of the grapes, the fruit was directly transferred into the fermenter.
Fermentation commenced naturally after 5 days of cool soaking at 55-59F. Manual punchdowns were done 2-4 times per day, primarily during the peak of fermentation to distribute and disperse heat. Total skin contact time was 14 days. After draining and then basket-pressing, the wine was transferred to a mix of new and used cooperage, of both French and American oak, all air-dried for 3-4 years and lightmedium toast. Barrel aging, with periodic racking and blending, lasted 18 months.

THE WINE
Octopus ink color tinged with purple-red hues, this wine has layers that perfectly fold into each other. Flavor notes include blackberry, plum, baking spices with a hint of cocoa, Bing cherry, violets, and smoked mushrooms. The palate is soft, supple, and round feeling like an early fallfresh forest floor, earthiness, and almost the sound of wind rustling. You can cellar this bold wine with confidence through 2026-2028, but were not that patient. Pair with hickorysmoked
bacon, French onion soup, ribeye served with classic potato gratin and crispy leeks (any tangy cheese and rich meat combo is ideal), or ratatouille. And if thats not enough, this is one of the few wines that is great with chocolate!

145 cases

Made with Organically Grown Grapes

TECHNICAL NOTES
APPELLATION: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
VINEYARDS: 100% Wine Creek Ranch, CCOF-certified organic
COMPOSITION: 95% Petite Sirah, 2% Zinfandel, 1.5% Syrah, 1.5%
Mourvèdre