2015 Tor Petite Sirah Palisades Vineyard Old Vine
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Tasting notes
Very deep crimson. A counterpoint to the Mountain Tides version. Whereas the latter go for transparency and purity, this goes for concentration. Actually there’s not that much nose in this. A sweet palate entry and then grainy tannins and a little hole in the middle. Just a little jammy before a leathery finish. Another wine where it’s difficult to work out when the tannins will recede. (JR)
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Jancis Robinson MW
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This must be the smallest type I have ever come across for an alcohol level! Described on the back label as an 'historic old vine, head-pruned vineyard planted in its own tiny valley just northeast of Calistoga' and admitted to be 'black as night' and 'intoxicating'. Neat, intense but well-knit nose. Gosh! Although there is no evident heat or alcohol here, there is pretty aggressive concentration on the finish. It's like a blackberry compote with some of the sugar removed. Unctuous texture until the pretty dry, sudden finish. A welcome and distinctive change from Cabernet Sauvignon perhaps? But arguably just a little uncomfortably inky and dry on the finish. (JR)
The 2015 Petite Sirah Palisades Vineyard Old Vine is a big, rich (I wouldn’t argue if you called it massive), yet pure and polished expression of the variety that does everything right. Blackcurrants, blackberries, charcoal and crushed rock notes all give way to a full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, rich, powerful, seamless red that has velvety tannin and a great finish. It will keep for 15+ years.
The 2015 Petite Sirah Palisades Vineyard is something else. It has amazingly soft tannins, huge, massive body, loads of blue and black fruits a hint of licorice and incense. It is a killer Petite Sirah that will probably be drinkable in 3-4 years and last 20-25.