RIDGE Lytton Estate Petite Sirah, Dry Creek Valley 2019/20 Bottle 14%

Description

The oldest Petite Sirah vines at Lytton Estate were planted in 1901 and the youngest in 2008. In 2002, portions of the Petite Sirah began to be bottled as a separate wine for a limited release; the wine became part of the core range in 2009. Rains in April and May helped the vines get through the summer. The Petite Sirah was hand-harvested between 17 September and 3 October. Whole-berry fermentation proceeded with natural yeast. After ten days of daily pumpovers, the must was pressed off. The wine was aged for 16 months in air-dried American oak barrels, with 25% new wood.

Winemakers Notes
Petite Sirah is a close relative to Syrah. Like Syrah, it is a dark-coloured grape that yields wines with floral aromas, deep colour and full, rich tannins. To moderate tannins, we fermented the grapes de-stemmed, as whole berries. Aging in twenty-five percent new oak over sixteen months has softened the wine. Built to age, it will be enjoyable for the next twelve to fifteen years.

Tasting Notes
The Lytton Estate Petite Sirah manages to capture the power of the variety within an accessible wine. The nose is deep and inky, but lifted by floral notes; the palate is tannic and mineral-driven, yet has a juiciness to the fruit that renders it delicious even at this early stage.