2010 Peterson Family Vineyard Petite Sirah

(16.1% alcohol; from a very small crop): Bright medium ruby. Aromas of black cherry and licorice, with a much more subtle raisiny element than in some recent vintages. Dense, sweet and surprisingly fine-grained for the variety, with intense flavors of black cherry, dark berries and brown sugar. A bit port-like but with brisk acidity and rather suave, ripe tannins. A decanted version of this wine showed a deeper chocolatey sweetness, very good grip and a whiplash of flavor on the aftertaste. According to winemaker Bob Foley's assistant Eric Reichenbach, this wine includes some dry-farmed vines planted in the 1950s.