Review: 2008 Ballentine Petite Sirah Fig Tree

(Disclosure: This wine was received as a press sample.)

A meal in a glass.  Honest to goodness Petite Sirah transported from vine to bottle.  Lovely texture and all the textbook Petite Sirah characteristics in ample quantities: broad shouldered tannins, spicy bite, lean structure, and teeth-staining color.  Body density is not as meaty and is a fair bit gentler than many Petites.  Nicely done and worth seeking out.  Fine dust, medium-long, pleasing finish.  Not a hit-you-over-the-head PS, rather a quieter (and welcome) rendition, if there is such a thing for this blockbuster varietal.  $25 and worth it. 1050 cases made.

Ballentine is a good name to keep an eye out for.  Word is their Zins kick ass, too.