Edmeades Petite Sirah 2012
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Wine & Spirits
This petite was grown at a vineyard on the Talmage bench in the foothills of the northern Mayacamas range, the vines between 20 and 60 years old. It has a brightness that balances the toughness of its structure, making its density feel layered rather than monolithic. The fruit’s a bit purple and primary at first, but as it takes on air it harmonizes with the tannins, moving toward a clean black-currant scent and cool minerality that feels dynamic. It’s a petite to age for a few years before opening with braised meat, or cassoulet.
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Wine Enthusiast
There is nothing petite about this wine. It shows an opaque red-black color, concentrated aromas full of blackberry and cedar, then flavors like pomegranate juice and blackberry jam, without being sweet. All this density and intensity will help it age. It will improve if allowed to age in a cool place until at least 2020.
Other Vintages
2013-
Wine
Spectator
Edmeades is pure Mendocino, famous for its limited bottlings from the Mendocino Ridge and the Redwood and Ukiah valleys of Northern California. It is the authentic taste of one of California’s final viticultural frontiers — the Anderson Valley. It all started in 1963 when Dr. Donald Edmeades, a cardiologist from Pasadena, planted 24 acres of vines, becoming the first modern-day grape grower in this cool, coastal region. He founded his winery and launched the Edmeades brand in 1972. The Jackson family purchased the winery and its vineyards in 1988.
Their approach is traditional and natural; their methods are decidedly low tech. They believe in native yeast fermentations in small, open-top bins, hand punch downs, minimal manipulation and no fining or filtration at bottling. The simplicity of their methods allows the soils and climates of each site to be clearly heard in the wines and enjoy full expression in every vintage.
With its deep color, firm tannins and bold flavors, there is nothing petite about Petite Sirah. The variety, originally known as Durif in the Rhône, took on its more popular moniker after being imported to California in the early 1880s. Quintessentially recognized today as a grape of the Golden State, Petite Sirah works well blended with Zinfandel and finds success as a single varietal wine in the state’s warmer districts. Somm Secret—Petite Sirah is not a smaller version of Syrah but it is an offspring of Syrah and the now nearly extinct French Alpine variety called Peloursin.
A large and diverse appellation within California’s North Coast AVA, Mendocino is home to several smaller sub-regions—most notably the Anderson Valley. This scenic region, with rolling hills covered in redwood forests as well as vineyards, is one of the world’s top producers of certified organically-grown grapes. Due to wide geographical and climatic variation, a vast array of wine styles can be found here.