Elyse Petite Sirah Rutherford 2004

photo © Linda Blakely 2008

This monster of a Petite Sirah was inky purple with a red-violet rim, and had legs that would make Ginger Rogers envious. Floral aromas of maybe violets or lilacs with dark fruits and a hint of eucalyptus. The palate was luscious, full-bodied and very dense, definitely not for the faint-of-heart. It had a finish that lasted long after you could even remember what wine you were drinking. In short, it was awesome!

Petite Sirah Mini-Flight

photo © Linda Blakely 2007

Tonight we got together with a friend for dinner and we both brought a bottle of Petite Sirah. We thought it might be interesting to compare the two. Both are from the Lodi region of California.

Keesha Petite Sirah 2004: 15.8% alcohol, inky black with violet hues. Licorice and eucalyptus aromas. Very concentrated, full bodied, with smooth tannins. Vanilla and berries on the palate. Long finish.

JT Cellars Petite Sirah 2005: 13.9% alcohol. Inky with red-violet hues. Berry aromas. Lots of raspberries and plums on the palate. Medium-to-full bodied. Smooth tannins.

Of the two, I think I preferred the Keesha. It just seemed to have more...oomph to it. A bit more backbone. But that doesn't mean that I didn't like the JT Cellars. It was very good too :-D