From “Nichelini Vineyard” in the eastern hills of Napa Valley. Textbook, so satisfying Petite showing blueberry sauce, smoked meat, black licorice and cocoa smells and flavors. Bursting with fruit and fine tannins. Very rich and strong, just like we want out Petite Sirahs to be. 100% Petite Sirah, aged in 30% new French oak barrels for 20 months, 14.8% alcohol.
Clif Family continues to make consistently tasty red and white wines from their Estate vineyards on Howell Mountain as well as from purchased fruit from Napa Valley and beyond (they also have a new vineyard in Napa’s Oak Knoll District planted to 8 different grapes-not yet in production). Winemaker Laura Barrett has been with Clif Family since 2014. I’m a big fan of her winemaking style. The Petite Sirah case in point: not afraid of Napa Valley ripeness yet knows how to pull in the reins when necessary. For all the Clif Family wines I’ve reviewed, GO HERE.
