Dark and Delicious - Recap of Petite Sirah Event

 Last Friday neither the Bay Bridge closure nor the threat of rain could dampen our enthusiasm as we gathered to participate in the 2012 PS I Love You's Dark and Delicious event held in Alameda at the Rockwall facility.  Since I live in the East Bay, I drove the BART shuttle for my winner Alma Avila and her guest.  BrixChick stand-in Marina and Luscious Lush Thea completed the carload.   So it was pretty much already a party even before we got to the venue.  Traditionally held the Friday after Valentine's Day, this Petite Sirah-a-palooza has something for everyone.  Lots of examples of Petite Sirah and lots of snacks to try with them.  Perennial favorites like Ridge, Stags Leap, Twisted Oak, Tercero, etc., etc.  As the designated driver, I spent more time snacking, spitting and auction shopping than wine tasting.  But I still managed to discover some new favorites

Among them:
J. Baldwin Wines Bold and lush, this Petite Sirah was dark and flavorful. J Baldwin is a small family winery tucked up high in Sonoma county.  You can almost taste the Sonoma sun and the mountain fog in the carefully made wine.

Berryessa Gap: Yummy examples of Petite Sirah as well as one they label "Durif",  Whatever you call it, it was all delicious.




Stage Left Cellars:   I knew this producer primarily for their Rhone blends but was delighted to try their Petite Sirahs.  One had a lovely fruit forward nature with all its grapes from warm weather Paso and another that blended Paso Petite Sirah with cooler climate Russian River which provided a different edge.  Both were super enjoyable and made me resolve to visit their Oakland facility to stock up

Don Sebastiani and Sons, "The Crusher" : I walked my feet off looking for this.  Since I was familiar with the delicious Rose of Pinot, I did not want to leave without trying the Petite Sirah.  I finally found it and was rewarded with a tasty offering made rounder with a little Merlot that added juicy succulence.  I will be looking for this PS as well.

As for the food, there were too many delicious bites to list.

 My stand out was the Bacon Salted Caramels that Nosh This put out.  Salty, bacony, chocolaty and silky sweet.  It brought out both the meaty and sweet elements that go well with Petite Sirah.  No, you didn't need to know this was in the world either, but if you get a chance to try one (or four) make sure you do.  Super yum!

For more details on other things, check out Two Guys from Napa

Many many thanks to Jo Diaz for her tireless efforts to put passion in a glass.  PS I love you, too!