The black/purple-colored 2008 Petite Sirah, from a vineyard on Spring Mountain planted in 1911, was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Displaying sensational richness and intensity, this massive, pure wine offers up scents of blueberries, blackberries, crushed rocks, pepper and spice. One of the most impressive Petite Sirahs I have tasted, this massive wine can be drunk in 10 years as well as in 40 years. This varietal remains one of California’s most underrated, but it does require patience.Barrel samples of the 2009 Petite Sirah and 2009 Syrah looked more fruit-forward, but pure with lots of character.Tel. (707) 255-1252

Dark, rich and as softly chewy as a chocolate, blackberry, roasted almond and vanilla power bar, wrapped into thick but easy tannins. The alcohol is 16.5%.——S.H.(9/1/2009)—— 87