I prefer finesse to powerhouse, but every once in a while along comes something that makes me pause.  Petite Sirah is that pause.  This varietal is juicy, tannic, bold, flavorful and not at all subtle.

In the glass, this particular wine was inky purple.  On the nose, definite Cherry and pepper components.  Once it hit, I was amazed at the fruit and body of this wine.  Cherry, but not in the Pinot Noir sense, mixed with oak and spice.  A powerful combination that had depth.  This wine is muscular with teeth-coating tannins that are just starting to mellow.  If you like a dry wine, this baby is right up your alley.  The fruit is well integrated with the wood and the wine is extremely ‘juicy’, making me salivate at the mere thought of it.  My only concern with this bottle was a slight metallic tinge that I noticed on the back end.  Apart from that, a solid 90 pointer worthy of 4 stars.  If you have never had Petite Sirah, you need to explore it.  Yum……