There is a ridiculous episode of Star Trek TNG where Data tries to learn comedy. He starts out by imitating a really dumb slapstick routine. Think old-timey pie in the face comedy, terrible puns and all. Just over the top. I’m pairing that episode with The Crusher Petite Sirah 2014 from The Central Valley of California. Petite Sirah is a very California grape; the wine is typically packed with rich fruit flavors and bold in every way.
Nerd Alert: Petite Sirah is not the same as a Syrah (or Shiraz); it is a cross of Syrah and Peloursin (a nearly extinct varietal) created in France. Petite Sirah is almost entirely produced in California now after vines were imported from France in the 1800’s. The grapes are small, with concentrated flavors that yield a big bold red.
I decanted this wine for about 2 hours before trying, as Petite Sirah is usually a heavy wine. Pouring into the glass, the wine looks inky and dense. The aroma is powerful dark fruits, plum and blueberry, with some spice and wood. Tasting confirms that the wine is heavy, rich and full bodied. Lots of blueberry jam, very fruit forward, almost like drinking a blueberry pie. After the fruit, it feels savory with spices, herbs, and oak. Medium acidity and high tannin round out a long rich finish. This wine seriously needs to be enjoyed with food like BBQ, alone it is very powerful stuff. After my recent string of subtle french wines, this one is a punch in the mouth. Or a pie in the face.
Winemaker: The Crusher
Wine: Petite Sirah
Year: 2014
Region: California
Grape: 85% Petite Sirah, 6% Merlot, 4% Zinfandel, 3% Tempranillo, 1% Carignan, 1% Mourvedre
Price: $10-$12
Rating: 7/10