In October 2013 we bottled the 2010 Chiles Valley (Napa Valley) Petit Sirah. We bottled one half of the vintage at 100% Petit Sirah, and the other half was blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Both wines are excellent with deep purple-red color, with herbaceous and black-soil notes. It is complex with fine tannins and high acid so it will age well, and can be drunk today if aerated or decanted. It is truly a beautiful wine that pairs well with hearty foods like lamb, beef steaks, strong cheeses and pizza.

The Chiles Valley sub-appellation of the Napa Valley is one of the most perfect places to grow Petit Sirah, or Durif. The varietal was born in 1880 as a child of two ancient Rhône varietals: a famous Syrah and the obscure Peloursin. When Dr. François Durf crossed these two, the result was a dark, thick-skinned grape which produced a distinct and massive wine. It is most often used as a blending wine, but today many winemakers have learned how to tame it and make it drinkable as a stand-alone varietal.

This wine should be drinkable through 2035.