INSIDER'S PICK: 2014 WONDERMENT WINES PETITE SIRAH BACIGALUPI VINEYARD RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY $39.99

Petite Sirah is a notoriously long-aging grape variety, with some of the more intense single site bottlings taking years-if not decades-to see the rugged tannins start to soften. It's rare for us to be able to sell one like this that is starting to get 'in the pocket', especially one from such an historic site. Bacigalupi is one of the most historic and important vineyards in the Russian River Valley, as they were the source for the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the 1976 Paris tasting and changes the course of American winemaking (as well as inspiring the movie 'Bottle Shock'). The quality is undeniable; deep and inky colored, with loads of blackberry and currant on the nose, slowly sweetening with some spice over time. But the palate is where things really get rolling, where time in the bottle has patiently started to sand down the burly tannins, allowing a surprisingly bright combination of cedary dark fruits and pops of bright citrus. Don't know if it's because of the holiday season, but it gives me thoughts of a Terry's Chocolate Orange in some ways. The age also helps the alcohol merge seamlessly into the palate, another aspect of Petite Sirah that can be difficult in its youth. A real treat for the holidays. ​

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