2003 "R" Petite Sirah

Enver Salman Vineyard, Clarksburg

Awards Tasting Notes PDF

My first three vintages of Petite Sirah from the Enver Salman Vineyard have been incredibly successful. The 2000 won 'Best of Class' honors at the 2002 Los Angeles County Fair, and the 2001'Best Varietal Petite Sirah' honors at the 2003 California State Fair. Last year the 2002 won 'Best of Show' at the 2004 State Fair. I attribute the success of these wines to the wonderful balance between rich fruit flavor and soft supple tannins which is difficult to achieve when using a variety that is known for its bruising power and ability to stain teeth blue.

The color of the 2003 Petite Sirah is intensely purple like a well ripened plum. The soft tannins from the Salman Vineyard allow me to retain more acid in the wine and as a result the hues are youthful and bright. The aromas of dense jamy blackberry and blueberry are complimented by a smoky, spicy oak bouquet with hints of tar, chocolate and mocha. One might expect a wine with this color and density to be astringent and tannic, but the flavors are of bright zesty sweet red fruits. The wine's body is rich and full of well-rounded and softened oak tannins. The finish is surprisingly succulent and lingers minutes after swallowing the wine. The balance of tannins, acid, and alcohol combined with this wine's intense flavors promises significant rewards for those who are patient enough to provide it with some time in the cellar.

Varietal Composition: 100% Petite Sirah
15.0% Alc.
0.78 g/100ml TA 3.36 pH

Oak Regime:
100% French Oak

Released: August 1, 2005
1,121 Cases Produced