Petite Sirah is a wine that has become synonymous with Stags’ Leap. The 30-year old Petite Sirah vineyards located in front of the Manor House on the estate’s deep, rocky soils form the backbone of this blend, to which we incorporate fruit from our established grower-partners throughout the Napa Valley.

The 2008 growing season started with a drier than average winter, which stood in sharp contrast to the wet weather that ushered in 2007. This trend continued throughout the growing season, and we received about 60 percent of normal precipitation overall. A warm spring resulted in an early budbreak, bloom and set in the vineyards, but the pace slowed down as mild spring and summer temperatures prevailed with warm temperatures again near Labor Day.

Petite Sirah is a varietal that demands blending and diversity of vineyard site to achieve its full potential. This current vintage includes varietals that have been traditionally blended as components for our Napa Valley Petite Sirah including Syrah, Grenache and Mouvèdre. The wine is aged in American oak barrels for a minimum of 12 months which imparts more powerful aromatics. Intensity, complexity, structure, and elegance are the signature descriptors of this classic wine.

The wine is deep purple, almost aubergine black in color. Vivid notes of pepper and raspberry and a floral note introduce this bold Petite Sirah. The palate follows with blackberry and earth notes of notes of dry leaves and forest floor that lead into a black fruit finish. Firm, chewy tannins indicate the massive power and aging potential of this wine with juiciness that makes it an excellent match to rich foods.