2011 Peterson Family Vineyard Petite Sirah

(15% alcohol; aged almost entirely in neutral barrels): Bright ruby-red. Aromas of black fruits, licorice, mocha and nutty oak. Plush, dense and sweet, showing noteworthy thickness but also good lift to the slightly chunky flavors of dark berries, game and chocolate. Still a bit youthfully clenched, finishing with big, broad, serious tannins, surprising verve and late notes of blackberry, licorice, pepper and game. Managing partner Kelly Peterson calls this wine "our most approachable petite sirah ever, as the cool growing season benefited this fruit," but added that the wine will still reward ten years of aging. At the very least, give this a good long time in a decanter if you plan to open a bottle anytime soon.