David Fulton’s bottling is an example of the heights Petite Sirah can reach. The wine is fairly new (the first release was the 1999 vintage) but the vineyard is old...very old. In fact, these are purportedly the oldest Petite Sirah vines in Napa Valley (and possibly California). Founded by David Fulton in 1865, the vineyard and winery are located just a short walk from downtown St. Helena. Handed down generation by generation, the land exists today as the oldest continuously owned and operated family vineyard in California. The current dry farmed, head trained vineyard is recognized today as an ‘old-vine’ varietal super-site. No doubt about it, this is an intense wine. The pour is inky black displaying dark reds with a deep purple rim. The wine is aged in half new and half two year old French oak barrels. Rising up from a swirling glass are fresh, massive, pure black fruit aromas with hints of blackberry and loganberry, fragrances elegantly revealed in a way rarely seen in this variety. The flavors match the aromatics yet divulge even more with cassis, licorice, and well-integrated oak notes. The texture is a multilayered coating of round and supple black cherry. At the end of each sip follow rich and mature tannins. The wine allows for current consumption for those who can't wait yet graceful aging for those who prefer patience.