Vineyard:
Colloquially known as Rockpile since the 1850s, the northwestern corner of Dry Creek Valley where the grapes in this wine were grown received its AVA status fewer than ten years ago. The allure of this appellation is virgin soils, relatively dry soil condition and plenty of sunny, fog-free days and nights. This vineyard is located at the most northern end of the appellation and is only a three-acre parcel. The soils are typical for the region: red, mixed with decomposed granite and other rocks, relatively of poor nutritional values, therefore producing low yields of highly concentrated fruit.
Winemaking:
One of the joys of making wine for semi-Garagiste Miro Cellars is seeking out extremely high-quality wine grapes from small vineyards. This very small lot of Rockpile Petite Sirah is a perfect example. Being less than one ton, the grapes were fermented in small half ton bins and punched down by hand until dry. What I love about Petite is the ease of fermentation and responsiveness of the grapes. The composition was nearly ideal and no “adjustments” were needed. After fermentation and pressing, the wine was aged in two new French oak barrels for 22 months. Just before bottling, the wine was lightly fined and filtered.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes:
This is a special wine showing Petite Sirah at its best—inky dark, with complex and concentrated flavors of blueberry, blackberry, black licorice and molasses. The mouthfeel is dense and juicy with a long, chocolate finish.
Harvest Date: October 11, 2008
Brix at Harvest: 27°
Alcohol: 14.8%
ta: 0.6g/100ml
rs: 0.03mg/100ml
pH: 3.68
Bottled: July 30, 2010
Production: 47 cases 750ml; 12 1.5L magnums
