By Fleury Estate Winery
Petite Sirah Napa Valley

Vineyard
The 2010 growing season was long and mild with ideal temperatures for perfect ripening and full development of great aromatics and rich, soft tannins. Rainfall returned to Napa Valley after three dry years, lengthening the growing season by just over a month. The relatively cool growing season coupled with the unexpected heat spikes in late summer made for a shortened harvest, but the resulting lower yields of wine were concentrated, elegant and structured.

Sourced from fruit grown in our Le Fleur vineyard nestled at the base of Howell Mountain in the Saint Helena AVA. The south-westerly exposure of the Saint Helena property provides for the beautiful sun which just kisses the clusters in the morning and allows for needed shade in the afternoon. Planted on the east side of the valley on a raised, gently sloping plateau, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon planted vineyard develops into a classic style with silky tannins and deep, powerful fruit.

Winemaking
Hand-harvested in late September 2010, the grapes were brought into the winery in the early morning hours and hand-sorted cold before beginning fermentation. Fermented with indigenous yeast in small closed-top stainless steel fermenters. The juice was left on the skins a total of 28 days for maximum color and tannin extraction. Post-fermentation the wine was pressed off the skins and transferred to 75% new French oak barrels Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally in barrel. The wine was aged in barrel for two years, racked twice a year then bottled unfined and unfiltered in late summer of 2012.

Tasting Notes
Elegant, fresh and refined, our 2010 Petite Sirah opens with generous aromas of red and black fruit and a hint of baking spice. On the palate, lush fruit flavors of blueberry, raspberry, and boysenberry are complemented by unbelievably soft tannins that add grace without removing any vitality. Subtle hints of vanilla and white pepper linger at the finish of this big, yet approachable Petite Sirah.

Technical Notes
Varietal: 100% Petite Sirah
Harvest Date: September 28, 2010
Aging: 22 months, 100% French oak barrels
Alcohol: 14.50%
[Information provided by Matador Vino]