2011 Turley Petite Sirah Pesenti Vineyard

A stunning wine, fragrant, powerful and smooth. Starts off with white pepper, violet, black tea and forest floor aromatics, then moves toward a smooth core of blackberry, blueberry and huckleberry. Firm yet plush tannins impart extra grip on the finish.

Drink Dates: 2014-2025

Author: MaryAnn Worobiec

Black olives, grilled herbs, blackberry jam, tar and violets are some of the many notes that burst from the glass as the 2011 Petite Syrah Pesenti Vineyard shows off its unmistakable pedigree. A rich, powerful wine, the 2011 nevertheless maintains gorgeous vibrancy and energy throughout. It is yet another standout from Larry Turley and his team. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026.

Drink Dates: 2014-2026

Author: Antonio Galloni

Serious saturated ruby color. Knockout nose combines dark berries, smoky minerals, star anise, black pepper, smoke and animal fur; I would have picked this blind as northern Rhone syrah. Amazingly ripe and expressive today, offering full-bodied flavors of raspberry, minerals, game, earth and spices. This also has the high pH (4.0!) of a ripe-year Rhone Valley syrah. In contrast to the Hayne Vineyard example, this one offers great early appeal.

Author: Stephen Tanzer

Issue: May/June 2013