2005 Titus Petite Sirah

Titus Vineyards is 40-acre estate along the Silverado Trail. It was established in 1968 when Lee and Ruth Titus started acquiring vineyards near St. Helena and replanted them to Bordeaux varietals. The Titus family grew grapes for other producers for about 20 years, then began making their own wine. Today two of Lee and Ruth’s sons, Phillip and Eric, run the estate. Phillip is winemaker. Titus makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot blends, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Mendocino AVA was established in 1984 and amended in 1989. It includes numerous sub-appellations. Mendocino AVA is entirely within Mendocino County, and the AVA is known for its Mediterranean climate. Vintners successfully grow Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah and Syrah. In cooler parts of the region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown. Mendocino County is home to nearly 600 vineyards, and many have been certified organic for decades, thanks to the region’s famous “green and sustainable” approach to agriculture and nearly everything else. Mendocino was named for 16th century explorers, a pair of brothers whose last name was Mendoza. Winemaking, however, didn’t start until the 19th century when some would-be gold miners decided it was more profitable to make wine than to pan for gold. Italian immigrants in the late 19th century continued to establish winemaking ventures.

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.