Switchback Ridge wines are sourced from the Peterson Family Vineyard in Calistoga. The property has been in the Peterson Family since 1914 and was replanted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah in 1990. Bob Foley has been the winemaker since the inaugural vintage in 1999.
Opaque purple in color. 16.4% ABV but the wine shows not even a trace of heat. Blue fruits, crushed stones and baking spice on the nose. A complete blockbuster. Full bodied, mouth coating and powerful. Blueberry liqueur, iron, licorice, cassis and white pepper on the palate. Chalky, omnipresent tannins. The finish is endless. Drink anytime over the next decade.
My rating: 95 points.
Switchback Ridge wines are only available via their allocation list. The Petite Sirah is a buy for me every year at a mailing list price right around $55. On a short list of the very best domestic Petite Sirah’s.
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