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2018 McGah Family Cellars Scarlett Estate Grown Petite Sirah

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

October 29, 2023 - $37

Estimate

PRODUCER

McGah Family Cellars

McGah Family Cellars was founded by the McGah family, co-founders of the Oakland Raiders. Since March 2015 the estate has been known as Scarlett Wines, named for the daughter of the estate’s founder. The family’s roots in the Bay Area date back more than a century and several prominent athletes have been members of the McGah family. Today the estate owns 65 vineyard acres in Rutherford. Mike Smith is winemaker. Scarlett Wines have earned ratings in the mid-90s.

REGION

United States, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford

Rutherford AVA is just north of the Oakville AVA in the heart of Napa Valley, and it is equally distinguished. It is home to Beaulieu Vineyard and inglenook, arguably Napa Valley’s most historically influential wineries. Inglenook started making in wine in the late 19th century, and Beaulieu Vineyards was producing by the first years of the 20th century. BV founder Georges de Latour is particularly esteemed for having recruited Andre Tchelistcheff, a renowned research oenologist, to move from France to Napa Valley in 1938 and run BV’s winemaking. The legendary Tchelistcheff brought European winemaking techniques to Napa Valley and vastly improved wine quality. Other Rutherford winemakers followed his lead. Today there are 5,000 vineyard acres in Rutherford and many acclaimed producers. The famous Silverado Trail with its exclusive, limited production wineries, runs partly through Rutherford AVA. Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignons are characterized by supple tannins, richness, notes of cherry and plum, depth and the ability to age for several decades. Besides Cabernet Sauvignon the AVA also grows Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. It received its AVA designation in 1994.

TYPE

Red Wine, Petite Sirah

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.