A wine that just cries out for a fatty steak, the 2013 Petite Sirah gives up decadent, full-bodied aromas and flavors of plums, violets, chocolate and licorice. While a big, mouth-filling wine that certainly doesn’t lack for concentration, it’s still fresh, focused and shows the house elegance. I’d drink bottles over the coming decade, but would certainly not be surprised if it held up longer.

Readers looking for a big, rich and muscular red should look no further than the 2011 Petite Sirah. Loaded with dark fruit, blueberry, violets and hints of green herbs, this blend of 100% Petite Sirah has full-bodied richness, high, yet sweet, tannin and rock-solid mid-palate concentration. Aged 20 months in 43% new French oak, it will have 15 years of evolution. Always solid, these wines are made by Blair Fox. Tel. (805) 686-2424; www.epiphanycellars.com

Both the 2007 and 2008 Petite Sirah from Santa Ynez are powerful (15% alcohol) wines. The inky/purple-hued 2008 Petite Sirah reveals considerable tannin and austerity. I do not believe it will develop as well as the 2007. However, it is early in the game, and it is difficult to judge at this stage. (Not yet released) Eli Parker, son of the recently departed Fess Parker, has his own operation called Epiphany. The prevailing style leans heavily toward single vineyard, full-bodied, powerful wines. To his Santa Barbara Syrah portfolio, he has added the Stagecoach Vineyard offering from Napa. Tel. (805) 686-2424

Both the 2007 and 2008 Petite Sirah from Santa Ynez are powerful (15% alcohol) wines. The tight, dense purple-colored 2007 has shut down after bottling, but it appears set for a long life of 15-20 years. While closed, it reveals hints of flowers, blueberries, and black currants, and a boatload of tannin to shed. This cuvee is for patient connoisseurs only. Eli Parker, son of the recently departed Fess Parker, has his own operation called Epiphany. The prevailing style leans heavily toward single vineyard, full-bodied, powerful wines. To his Santa Barbara Syrah portfolio, he has added the Stagecoach Vineyard offering from Napa. Tel. (805) 686-2424