The 2007 Petite Sirah is typical of that varietal. Inky blue/purple, with plenty of incense, blueberry, blackberry, espresso, and almost scorched earth, the wine is super-rich, impressively textured, and very full-bodied, with high but sweet tannin. This wine should drink nicely for 20 years. Tel. (707) 963-3235

Freshly picked blackberries that got ripe under the hot summer sun. Lots of ground black peppercorn dust. Black currant liqueur, black licorice and even a smattering of pancetta. These are the flavors of this delicious, complex Petite Sirah. It shows the big, firm tannins the variety is famous for, but they’re exceptionally ripe and fine. Absolutely first-class, one of the best Petite Sirahs of the vintage, and it’s not surprising that it comes from Napa Valley.——S.H.(7/1/2010)—— 94