2018 Girard Petite Sirah

Vintage Notes

The year started out with ample rainfall which kept the soils moist and cool into spring. Summer was marked by warm, even daytime temperatures with few extreme heat spikes. The opportune weather conditions continued into late summer and fall. The harvest was of average volume, if not slightly below average, and the fruit quality was exceptional; allowing us to craft wines with fresh acidity, texture, structure and finesse.

Winemaker Notes

This Petite Sirah has developed into a very sought-after wine in the Girard portfolio, with fans of the variety looking to our bottling for the characteristic heady perfume, inky dark color, intense tannins and balanced oak integration.

Tasting Notes

The nose reveals a mélange of bramble fruit, red raspberry, black plum and cigar box spice. Medium-plus to full-bodied, the wine unfolds with layers of blackberry preserves, vanilla, and dried tobacco. The finish reveals notes of oak influence—spice, vanilla and savory barrel toast. The tannins are bold, ripe and integrated, creating a heady, lingering finish.

About Winery

For the past 40 years, Girard has been singularly dedicated to ensuring balance in their wines. This is achieved by meticulously focusing on making choices that respect the grapes and Napa Valley heritage at each step of the winemaking process. They work closely with long-time growers in both mountain and valley vineyards to ensure vines are nurtured to develop balanced sugar and acidity in the grapes when it comes time to harvest. In their state-of-the-art winery, they employ innovative barrel technology to bring out the ripe fruit characteristics during the fermentation and aging process. The dedication to quality throughout the winemaking process is evident in the consistently award-winning wines that offer richness, complexity and balance in each sip.