This Petite Sirah was grown in the York Creek Vineyard of Napa’s Spring Mountain district, a plot that lies at 1,250 to 2,000 feet of elevation. The 2006 season was early, but rain caused late ripening, and the fruit wasn’t brought in until October. The grapes fermented whole-cluster in tank with ambient yeasts, and the wine was pressed after one week. It aged in American oak barrels, 25 percent new, for two years.
We purchased a few bottles on release and, given Petite Sirah’s penchant for density, treated a couple to long cellaring. It’s ready, fully matured. The color is still a saturated red but has begun to show the faint tint of tawny age. Its aromas are high-toned and slightly volatile, with brambly fruits and brushy lavender drifting above deeper suggestions of leather and hide. The wine still has good weight and a firm armature of tannins, and it delivers a kick of bitter black cherry amidst its tea-stained finish.
Give this vintage a little air, then serve it with robust and savory fare: cassoulet, roasted game, braised beef, or smoked pork. Vegans will rely on dried mushrooms or sundried tomatoes. For cheese, try aged cow’s and ewe’s milk options that have nutty, caramel, and mushroomy cave-aging notes.
2006 Ridge Petite Sirah Dynamite Hill Spring Mountain
13.8% abv
Ridge Vineyards
Thank you very much. I have some of this. Time to excavate in search of one.
My pleasure. Let us know how yours aged.