Stags' Leap Winery Napa Valley Petite Syrah 2020

“Lovely aromas of toasted herbs, baked plums, nutmeg and chicory root. Full-bodied with tight tannins. Juicy and succulent red and black fruit on the palate, accented by notes of hot paprika, rosemary and allspice. Complex, but remains approachable. 86% petite sirah, 6% syrah, 5% grenache and 3% mixed Rhone varieties. Best after 2025.”

Oak char and black pepper aromas lead to drenching blackberry and blueberry flavors in this rich and intensely tannic wine. The color is black to a reddish rim, the texture is thick and a bit drying, and the body is full. This wine needs time and/or a good decanting to loosen up. Best from 2027.

Aged entirely in American oak (19% new), the 2020 Petite Sirah pairs an interesting mix of garrigue-like notions with mocha and cigar box, plus notes of blueberries, licorice and dark chocolate. It's full-bodied and a bit chewy on the palate but ripe, juicy and long.