2008 Stanton Vineyards Petite Sirah

Stanton Vineyards in Napa Valley started out in 1947 as a grape growing enterprise. The Stanton family today still grows grapes and owns 75 acres of vineyards in three different locations. They have a vineyard in Oakville and two in St. Helena. Stanton Vineyards have long been a source for Napa Valley wineries including Stag's Leap, Merryvale, Orin Swift, Groth and others. In 1999 the family also began making wine under their own label. Dave Phinney is winemaker. Stanton produces estate designated Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.

St. Helena AVA is at the northern end of Napa Valley just north of Rutherford and south of Calistoga. It is a relatively warm climate thanks to the Mayacamas Mountains on its western edge, which protect it from Pacific Ocean fog. Out of the 9,000 acres in the appellation, some 1,500 are under vine. The principal grapes grown in St. Helena are the Bordeaux grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. St. Helena is considered prime wine producing territory, and it was one of the first important wine producing regions in northern California. The legendary Charles Krug founded his winery just north of the town of St. Helena in 1873, and today the appellation is home to many prestigious producers, including Abreu, Grace Family and Spottswoode.

Despite its popularity, this grape is quite rare. Less than 10,000 acres are planted worldwide, with the bulk in California. In France, the grape is referred to as Durif. Not to be confused with Syrah, Petite Sirah is a cross of Syrah and Peloursin. The result is darker and fuller.