2022 Petite Sirah

Some years back, Leland Noma found himself with more Barbera than the market would take, so he made the decision to graft a small section of the vineyard over to Petite Sirah. What makes this block especially unique is the soil: almost pure, deep sand. Water moves through it quickly, and irrigation dries out fast, naturally limiting vigor and concentrating the fruit on the vine.

This Petite Sirah doesn’t show quite the inky darkness we’ve seen from some of our other sites, but it more than makes up for it with layered aromatics and a beautifully structured palate. Extended barrel aging has helped knit everything together, resulting in a plush, expressive take on the varietal.

Bold aromas of blueberry, sugarplum, and lavender are complemented by notes of nutmeg and maple bacon. The palate is equally intense, with broad, grippy tannins and flavors of cocoa, brambly blackberry, and fig, finishing with lively acidity and lingering touches of candied licorice and spice.