2011 Kenefick Ranch Petite Sirah

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Winery Tasting Notes:  “Bright cherry, licorice, vanilla bean and dark plum erupt from this fruit forward Petite Sirah. Gentle handling during fermentation and aging help the aggressive tannins of the varietal round off into soft velvet and balanced structure. The splash of Merlot really adds to the lush aspect of this wine.”

Blend: 88% Petite Sirah, 12% Merlot
Alcohol Level: 14.8%
Cases Produced: 200
Winemaker Name: Kent Jarman
Maturity: Drink Now – 2020

Pairings:  Smoked/BBQ Red Meats or Pork.  BURGERS. Aged Gouda, melted Swiss cheese, Fresh Mozzarella, Camembert.  Funghi, roasted Veges.

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – What a little diamond in the rough we found here!  Kenefick Ranch is an outstanding winery located in Napa Valley’s northernmost AVA – Calistoga.  Their small block vineyards sit completely on volcanic bedrock and produce some of the highest quality grapes with limited green growth, more concentration and flavor.  Kenefick Ranch has sold fruit to Napa powerhouse wineries such as Pride Mountain, Caymus and Shafer!  Much of their success can also be attributed to the talents of winemaker Kent Jarman, whom joined Kenefick Ranch back in 2007.  Jarman, a UC Davis graduate, has over 15 years of winemaking experience most noticeably with Atlas Peak and Duckhorn Vineyards.  With his experience and having total control of the farming practices, Kenefick Ranch is producing some of the finest wines in the Napa Valley.

Kenefick Ranch currently produces six wines, with Petite Sirah being one of the smallest produced wines…only 200cs.!  This particular vintage, 2011, was very tough to navigate through mostly because it was cold and wet.  Even though conditions weren’t ideal, Jarman still turned out an amazing wine only adding a touch of merlot for roundness and stability.  Packed with ripe, red fruit, you can also get the flavors of anise, cocoa, dark black fruits and toasty oak finish.  This wine is ready to be consumed now, so kick the tires and light the fires…pop that cork and tip some glasses at your earliest convenience!

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