2011 Petite Syrah Thompson Vineyard

Last of the 2011s and one of the most elegant Petite Sirahs out there, the 2011 Petite Sirah Thompson Vineyard is a knockout effort that offers up thrilling aromas of smoky black and red raspberries, tar, licorice, mineral and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, tannic and structured, yet also seamless and silky, with loads of depth and richness, it needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will have 15+ years of total longevity. Drink now-2026. Craig Jaffurs continues to produce a bevy of brilliant Rhone blends from his winery in Santa Barbara. While his 2010s are spectacular, his 2011s are lighter in color and weight, with more upfront characters. They should pick up additional weight with some bottle time, yet most will require drinking over the coming 5-6 years. Tel. (805) 962-7003; www.jaffurswine.com

Rich, full-bodied and loaded with personality, the 2011 Petite Sirah Thompson Vineyard impresses for its balance. The firm Petite tannins are present, but they are nearly buried by layers of deeply expressive black fruit. The style is bold, dazzling and utterly divine. The 2010 was made from fully destemmed fruit and aged mostly in new oak, with just 15% new barrels, American in this case.

One of the most elegant Petite Sirahs out, the 2010 Jaffurs Petite Sirah Thompson Vineyard is a knockout effort that offers up thrilling aromas of smoky black and red raspberries, tar, licorice, mineral, and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, tannic, and structured, yet also seamless and silky, with loads of depth and richness, it needs 2-3 years of bottle age, and will have 15+ years of total longevity.