The Crusher Petite Sirah

2019, California United States

Petite Sirah's the grape. Full bodied red with spicy, sweet dark fruit flavours
From California, USA (if you like Johnny Q's Caravan Petit Sirah - try this, it's a step up!)
Gold medal (San Francisco International Wine Competition 2022), Gold medal (Rodeo Uncorked International Wine Competition 2023)
Produced in Clarksburg, 20 miles east of the world famous Napa Valley where you could easily spend twice this on a similar wine

Petite Sirah. Looks and sounds like Syrah but they’re actually different. Although they are related, genetically. They shouldn’t be confused as the same style of red though. Oh, it also goes by the name “Durif”.

Confused? You wouldn’t be the only one. But Petite Sirah is a grape on the up – big time! In its spiritual home of California plantings have doubled in the last decade, in fact there’s even a hardcore following of Petite Sirah slurpers that have set up their own advocacy group (PS – I Love You).

Described as a “knockout wine” this is a full bodied, dark, inky red that packs a punch. Fitting for a label called The Crusher don’t you reckon? There’s a small portion of Pinot Noir blended in too to add a layer of softness to the spicy, sweet dark berry and cherry flavours.

Here’s the best bit – the price. Produced in a part of California called Clarksburg, which is just 20 miles east of the world famous Napa Valley where you could easily spend twice this on a similar wine. With lower land prices Clarksburg is fast gaining a rep for quality and value, we can see why!

You’ll be wanting to pair this wine with pretty much any slab of red meat from the grill or hot plate. Or if it’s after dinner try a slab of dark chocolate.