Starry Night
2014 Zinfandel, Lodi

Petite Sirah is sometimes mistakenly spelled "Petite Syrah," which has historically referred to a small berried clone of the Syrah grape by Rhône growers. In California, immigrant vine growers introduced Syrah in 1878 and used the phrase "Petite Syrah" to refer to the lower yields that the vines then were producing in California. Actual Petite Sirah (Durif) was then introduced in 1884.

The "petite" in the name of this grape refers to the size of its berries and not the vine, which is particularly vigorous. The leaves are large, with a bright green upper surface and paler green lower surface. The grape forms tightly packed clusters that can be susceptible to rotting in rainy environments. The small berries create a high skin to juice ratio, which can produce very tannic wines if the juice goes through an extended maceration period. In the presence of new oak barrels, the wine can develop an aroma of melted chocolate.

Lodi is one of the highest-quality growing area in the vast inland San Joaquin Valley just east of the Napa Valley. Very few of these wines retail for more than $30 and recent arrivals are getting bolder and challenging the status quo. This blockbuster Lodi Petite Sirah just released from Starry Night is exceptional price for quality, as you would expect! Many say Petites walk the line of being too powerful, but this one totally nails it with a touch of finesse. Alas, there is never enough to go around... Only 400 cases made.

The 2014 Starry Night Lodi Petite Sirah is deep purple blackness is the color, and completely mouthcoating and balanced beautifully... Rich fruit, driven with flavors of ripe plums and black cherries and hints of anise and white pepper. FANTASTIC! A brilliant version of this classic grape.  Awesome, straight-up WOW wine from a producer well known for their Zinfandel. Yeah, it's time to fire up the grill and dig into this killer bottle of wine.

Pairs well with beef, lamb, spicy foods and hearty pasta.

Vintage:  2014
Varietal:  100% Petite Sirah from 25 year old vines.
Appellation:  Lodi
Cooperage:  Aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels.
Brix: 24.6º
pH:  3.67
TA:  .664 mg/100ml
Alcohol:  15%

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About Starry Night

This starts many years earlier when Wayne Hansen, Bruce Walker, Mike Miller and Skip Granger started making wine. Their motivation for this came from a shared life long passion for wine and an increasing disdain for the over priced and often mass-produced wines found in the market. To learn more visit Starry Night Winery at www.starrynightwinery.com.