2008 Mauritson Rockpile Madrone Spring Vineyard Petite Sirah

Mauritson is in Healdsburg, California. It is owned and operated by Mauritson family, who have been farming in the area since the mid-19th century. In the mid 1990s Clay Mauritson returned from college and began working in Napa Valley wineries. He released his own debut vintage in 1998. The family owns 270 acres of vineyards and have long supplied other wine producers in the area. Today the estate produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Rose, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

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.