Kokomo Winery – 2007 Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah
December 10, 2009
The Facts:
The Kokomo Winery 2007 Petite Sirah was produced using fruit sourced at two vineyards in Dry Creek Valley, Perotti and Mounts. This wine is 100% Petite Sirah. Barrel aging was accomplished over 20 months in a combination of French and American oak; 30% of the barrels were new. 224 cases of this wine were produced and the suggested retail price is $27.
Gabe’s Take:
Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc are the first grapes most folks think of when Dry Creek Valley comes to mind. Rightly so, I’d say, as these two varietals flourish in Dry Creek at least as well as they do anywhere. For me though, there’s a third one I think of and it’s Petite Sirah. Maybe it’s because it’s somewhat under appreciated by the public at large. Perhaps it’s the dark and intensely brooding nature of most Petite Sirahs. Whatever the reason the mere prospect of one gets me as excited as any varietal can. Until recently I hadn’t tasted Kokomo’s offering. Thankfully that changed.
Powerful plum pudding spice aromas fill the nose of this Petite Sirah. Taking the first sip it’s apparent that this wine is a bit tight out of the bottle right now. An hour in the decanter did wonders, really allowing this Petite to sparkle. Blackberry and chocolate sauce notes are integral parts of the potent and full flavored palate. Other dark fruit notes kick in as well with black mission fig being particularly noteworthy. This wines finish which is nice and lengthy has tons of earth, black pepper, black tea characteristics and subtle hints of sweet balsamic vinegar. This wine has gripping tannins that yield with time and good acidity.
This Petite Sirah is an excellent reminder of why this varietal is terrific. Its attack is intense, and powerful, but balanced. It drinks very well on its own but will pair well with hearty foods. Also of note is that it’s a particularly good example of Petite Sirah from Dry Creek Valley specifically.
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