Eaglepoint Ranch has been source to powerful red wines for many years, and here’s another one. It impressives for the volume of tannins and fruity ripeness. Swamps the mouth with blackberry and cherry marmalade, bacon, pepper spice and smoky oak flavors that are huge, yet balanced in tannins, oak and acidity. The alcohol is 15.2%.——S.H.(6/1/2011)—— 93

From Mendocino’s Eaglepoint Ranch, the 2003 Sirius is a powerful wine at 15.3% alcohol, but, as is often the case with very ripe Petite Sirah, none of that character comes through. A dense purple color is followed by aromas of graphite, acacia flowers, sweet blueberry, raspberry, and blackberry fruit, huge body, stunning ripeness, and loads of texture. This powerful, rich wine should be drinkable in 4-5 years, and last for 15 or more. Tel. (415) 868-1781

The idiosyncratic Sean Thackrey (a helluva winemaker regardless of vineyard sources or varietals) has changed his label (which I do not like as much as the original), but he is still turning out high class, nuanced, complex, singular wines. The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2002 Sirius Petite Sirah Eagle Point Ranch displays licorice, acacia flower, and black fruit aromas, medium to full body, excellent purity, and firm tannin. While not complex, it reveals plenty of depth as well as richness. Give it another 1-2 years in the bottle before drinking. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2014.Tel. (415) 868-1781