Switchback Ridge wines are sourced from the Peterson Family Vineyard. The property, located just off the Silverado Trail between St. Helena and Calistoga has been in the Peterson Family since 1914 and was replanted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah in 1990. Kelly Peterson along with her father John founded Switchback Ridge in 1999. She is responsible for all aspects of the business, including all sales, marketing and hospitality functions. Bob Foley has been the winemaker since the inaugural vintage.
Opaque purple in color. 16.5% ABV. Tremendous nose of black fruits, Whitman Sampler box, molten licorice and violets. Full bodied with ample acidity. The balance is notable. Big, plush and chewy. Boysenberry, blackberry liqueur, iron and chocolate truffles on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. It is really remarkable that a wine of this size can present as fresh and nuanced. Impressive Petite Sirah. Best over the next decade or so.
My rating: 95 points.
Switchback Ridge wines are only available via their allocation list. The 2018 Petite Sirah was recently released by the winery. Fairly priced and always a pleasure to drink.
Consistently producing great cab & P.S,,as well as Manfred Krankl’s favorite merlot plus (big plus!) Kelly’s friendly efficient customer service, Switchback has long been one of my very favorite sources. Over more than 10 years I have observed that all of their wines evolve beautifully and have never run into an off vintage..