2011 Delectus Spring Mountain District Petite Sirah

Delectus is owned by Linda and Gerhard Reisacher, who began making wines in 1995 from sourced grapes in the Napa Valley. Linda had worked in the wine industry as a glass supplier and Gerhard, who grew up in Austria, is an eighth- generation winemaker. In Napa he worked for Monticello, Far Niente, Pine Ridge and Clos du Val before starting his own winery. In 2005 the couple bought 112 acres overlooking Knights Valley. Some 40 acres were planted. Delectus produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and several blends.

Spring Mountain AVA is above the town of St. Helena on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains. There is no actual Spring Mountain, but the name has traditionally been used for the area, which includes many streams and springs. Spring Mountain was awarded appellation status in 1993 and it includes about 1,000 vineyard acres. Vineyard elevations are high, from 400 to 2,600 feet above sea level. Because of the altitude of most vineyards, which are above the fog line, mornings become warm earlier than vineyards on the valley floor, though the afternoons are cooled by maritime winds. The result is an exceptionally long growing season. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most frequently planted grape by acreage, followed by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay.

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.