Lot 882 2019 Napa Valley Petite Sirah
Introducing a Napa Valley Petite Sirah release from Cameron Hughes Wines.
When you find the right bottling, Petite Sirah is capable of reaching the same quality heights as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and even traditional Bordeaux blending grapes like Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Such is the case with our newest release Lot 882 2019 Napa Valley Petite Sirah.
The grape sprung to life when a Syrah vine was crossed with Peloursin in the late 1800s in Montpellier, France; however, Petite Sirah (known throughout France as the Durif grape) never really made a big splash in its home country. Instead, its small, intensely-flavored berries thrived in California.
And they have thrived under the careful attention of the source winery that gave us this positively delectable Petite Sirah bottling. Little wonder, the grape has been cherished by some of Napa’s Old Guard producers like Stags’ Leap Winery, which touted the merits and quality potential of the grape.
We think our Lot 882, from 2019 (a vintage described as “thrilling” and “stunning” by Vinous) proves that those bold Napa pioneers had the right idea. Despite the perfect growing season, the source winery exerted intense quality control, dropping clusters and further concentrating flavors in the tiny-berried older Petite Sirah vines growing in Calistoga and Pope Valley. They made just 400 cases.
Lot 882 is as delectable as the deep blue color band on the label. It exudes the same blue colors, tinged with purple in an explosion of candied violets and sumptuous blueberry compote. Ruby-purple robes of mixed berry fruit and strawberry preserves call to mind the freshest Bonne Maman compote of succulent blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, wild strawberries, and brown sugar. With ample grip, and acidity for days, this juicy berry-laden red is wrapped in a blanket of Graham cracker pie crust spices and sweet cedar. Impossible not to love on its own, but next to a Wagyu beef burger, this is happiness in a glass.
Watch as Zach Long, winemaker for Cameron Hughes walks us through a tasting.