KLINKER BRICK | Petite Sirah | Lodi | 2018
petite sirah

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Tonight we are are going to review a very rare, single-varietal petite sirah wine from California‘s famous Lodi AVA – Petite Sirah Lodi 2018 by Klinker Brick Winery. Petite Sirah (also known as Durif or Petite Syrah in France) was created by botanist Francois Durif in Montpellier (France) around 1880, but is now very rare found outside of California. This grape variety can produce very deep colored and full-bodied wines, with rich black fruit flavors and bold tannins. Despite its popularity, petite sirah is an exceptionally rare grape variety, with less than 10 000 planted acres worldwide. DNA tests shows that petite sirah is a cross between syrah and peloursin (a very rare french grape variety, found only in a few places in the French Alps). It was imported to America by Charles McIver in the mid-1880’s, where it got its new name – ‘Petite Sirah‘. Contrary to what its name suggests, petite sirah is not just a lesser (more ‘petite’) version of syrah but a totally distinct grape variety. Petite Sirah produces some of the deepest colored and most opaque red wines, with very high levels of anthocyanin, similar to tannat and sagrantino grape varieties. This wine here is made out of petite sirah grapes that were sourced from the Mokelumne River vineyards of the Lodi AVA (California, USA). In order to soften the tannins and add extra complexity, this wine has been aged for 16 months in new and used french (60%) and american (40%) oak barrels. That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
colour: deep & opaque ruby color
clarity: hazy & noble ruby shades

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & expressive
fruit character: overripe

Upon the first nose, the wine presents an intriguing olfactory symphony. With an overripe fruit character in the foreground, the wine offers an alluring blend of black and blue fruits with delicate floral undertones. The prominence of vibrant fruits, reminiscent of wild berries and plums, seamlessly mingles with those nuanced notes of blackberry, black cherry, blueberry and some elegant hints of violets. In the background, a tapestry of spiciness and jammy subtleties weaves its magic, with notes of cloves, nutmeg and a touch of oak whispering in the background. This wine is striking a delightful balance between its vibrant fruity essence and those subtle hints of oak and spice that add extra complexity on the nose.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: long | aftertaste: velvety

On the palate, this wine showcases a harmonious fusion of ripe black fruits, spice and oak, delivering a captivating and well-rounded tasting experience. The bright acidity and silky tannins create a velvety texture that is elevated by a subtle touch of warming alcohol, accentuating the wine’s structured body. The velvety-crisp aftertaste lingers, offering a lasting impression, that is highlighted by a subtle mix of oak and terroir-driven flavors. This is a wine with with a remarkable complexity that is mixing power with finesse, making it an exceptional choice for those seeking a genuine representation of the rare, petite sirah grape variety.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 3 to 5 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

All in all, this is a prime example of a new world petite sirah wine, displaying excellent varietal typicity. Its elegance and complexity shine through, delivering a rich and expressive profile. The wine’s velvety texture and nuanced, fruit-driven character are truly captivating, offering a genuine vibrancy that lingers on the palate. While it may benefit from some aging, it’s certainly enjoyable today without compromising its aging potential. For those seeking a top-quality wine that encapsulates its origin and represents at the highest level the petite sirah grape variety, this one is a must-try – a wine that exemplifies at scale the beauty of the new world wines.

//Scoring
KLINKER BRICK | Petite Sirah | Lodi | 2018
variety: petite sirah
country: USA
region: California | Lodi
rating: 95.4
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This is definitely a great wine of USA and, with a total of 95.4 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Considering the wine’s complex and rich flavor profile, we recommend pairing it with a grilled venison loin accompanied by juniper berries and wild mushrooms. The wine’s firm structure and its ripe black fruit flavors will seamlessly mesh with the gamey and earthy nuances of the meat. In the same key, the wine’s subtle oak and spicy undertones will gracefully enhance the charred notes of the grill smoke, while the wine’s velvety, crisp aftertaste and bright acidity will provide a delightful contrast to the tender venison. This pairing creates a culinary experience that not only celebrates the wine’s vibrant character but also elevates the dining experience to a new level of hedonistic complexity. Enjoy!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.