Notes from the Winemaker:
Napa Valley - Iron Corral Vineyard:
Starting with the 2007 vintage Mike sourced 4 tons of Petite Sirah from a ranch in Pope Valley, the valley to the east of Napa Valley within the Napa Valley appellation. The principal difference between the old vine Howell Mountain and the Pope Valley Petite Sirah is the terroir. The Pope Valley vineyard is about 1,300 feet lower in elevation than our Park Muscatine Vineyard on Howell Mountain, has more alluvial soil than the iron-rich red clay of Howell Mtn., and has a warmer growing season and younger vines which produce great fruit without the heavy tannins. 195 cases were produced that vintage, and have met with great enthusiasm by restauranteurs in particular who are looking for a more fruit-forward Petite Sirah. We are especially pleased to have the wine on the list at the famed French Laundry.
TECHNICAL DATA:
Varietal: 100% Petite Sirah
Vineyards: Iron Corral, Pope Valley
Appellation: Napa Valley
Harvest Dates: October 22nd
Brix at Harvest: 24.1
Alcohol: 13.4%
Cases Produced: 300
Release Date: May 1st, 2015
93 Points - Antonio Galloni (2009 Vintage):
"Interestingly, the 2009 Petite Sirah Napa Valley is much more expressive than the Howell Mountain today. Rich, explosive and beautifully layered, the 2009 shows off gorgeous fruit, expressive, floral aromatics and fabulous balance. This is one of the most refined Napa Valley Petites readers will come across. Today, the Napa Valley bottling is just beautiful." - Antonio Galloni (November 2013)
93 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine (2009 Vintage):
"Retro makes one of the best, most consistent Petite Sirahs in California. Even though they used to source their fruit from Howell Mountain and this bottling now is from Pope Valley and Calistoga, it still shows the same qualities of complex interest based on impeccable winemaking. It’s an amazing wine, dry, full-bodied and tannic, with a complex range of berries, currants, herbs and white pepper. Truly a Petite Sirah for Cabernet lovers. Drink now–2020." - S.H. (10/1/2013)
93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2008 vintage):
"The 2008 Petite Sirah Napa Valley bursts from the glass with racy blackberries, black currants, exotic spices, new leather and licorice. A big, full-bodied wine, the 2008 has come together beautifully since I tasted it last year. I especially like the way the wine continues to open up in the glass. Black olives, savory herbs and melted road tar are some of the notes that develop over time, adding further complexity and depth. This is a terrific effort. The Napa Valley Petite Sirah is made from Pope Valley fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2023." - Antonio Galloni (Dec 2012)