2002 Chiarello Vineyards Roux Old Vine Petite Sirah
$45.00 -- Enormously rich palette from 94-year old vines
Roux is the nickname of my oldest daughter, Margaux. And like her, these 94-year old vineyards have simply blossomed from my hands-on care and lots of love. If this is your style, grab it now as this old block only gives us alittle wine each year, less than 200 cases!
This is my favorite wine for "big red" meals. This is Petite Sirah for both fans of the varietal and skeptics. The density of the wine will appeal to proponents of big red wines but without any of the rough edges that can turn people off to Petite Sirah. Try it with my Bistecca alla Fiorentina recipe, a classic style of preparing steak from Tuscany.
The nose is of the 2002 Roux Old Vine Petite Sirah is crushed blackberries, wet stones and slate. The ripeness of the wine makes the tannin very sweet on the mid-palate. The tannin provides good grip without bringing green, harsh or shortening to the finish. The finish is very dense and long dominated by black fruits and a bittersweet chocolate note.
Michael Chiarello & Thomas Brown
Owner & Winemaker
| Vintage: | 2002 |
| Release Date: | October 2004 |
| Appellation: | St. Helena District of Napa Valley |
| Blend: | 100% Petite Sirah |
| Harvest: | Harvested by hand on September 9, 2002 |
| Barrel Aging: | 18 months in French Oak |
| Vineyard location: | Estate Grown, single vineyard, 94 year old Petite Sirah in gravelly loam soil. |
| Alcohol: | 15.2% |
| Production: | 195 Cases |
| Price: | $45/bottle -- $540/case |