While there are a few other places on the planet that produce Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, domestic growers in have made them uniquely American in many ways.  So why not celebrate our country with a bottle of one or the other or both? (We’d recommend both.) 

Artezin 2016 Old Vine Zinfandel

Grape(s): 84% Zinfandel & 16% Petite Sirah and Carignan

Region: Mendicino County, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Waves of bramble berries, plums, and black cherries meld with hints of brown spice and pepper on the nose. Jammy dark fruit comes up front, with blackberry, blueberry, and plum and then moves into suggestions of clove, white pepper, and herbs on the palate. Quite rich and layered for around $15, match it up with a spicy BBQ dish.

Rating: 90

Seghesio 2016 Zinfandel

Grape(s): 83% Zinfandel, 12% Petite Sirah & 5% other

Region: Sonoma County, Ca

Price: 20-25

Tasting Notes:

Lots of dark fruit comes forth on the nose with blueberries, cherries, and blackberries leading the way. That fruit follows through on the palate, alongside expressions of brown spice, graham cracker, and anise. Lush and rich, it will match up well with a juicy bacon burger.

Rating: 91

Michael David 2015 “Petite Petit” Blend

Grape(s): 85% Petite Sirah & 15% Petit Verdot

Region: Lodi, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Lots of blueberries and blackberries combine with hints of spice and toasty oak on the nose. Cocoa tannins frame flavors of blueberry, boysenberry, and blackberry on the palate, accented by suggestions of pepper, graham cracker, and graphite. Rich and big, it will pair nicely with hearty, spicy foods.

Rating: 90

Concannon 2016 Petite Sirah

Grape(s): Petite Sirah

Region: Livermore Valley, Ca

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

Blueberries and blackberries intermingle with hints of pepper and bacon on the nose. Ripe blueberry, black cherry, and bramble berry fruit notes play nicely among expressions of spice and herbs on the palate . Polished tannins and a good balance of fruit and non-fruit flavors make this a nice buy for around $15.

Rating: 90