Robert Foley Napa Petite Sirah

Robert Foley's Napa Petite Sirah is a Napa Valley red built from Petite Sirah, a grape known for small, thick-skinned berries that give very dark color and firm structure. Foley has a long-standing reputation in Napa for working with this variety, so expect a wine in the deeply colored, full-bodied style the grape is known for rather than a lighter, easy-drinking red. Note that Petite Sirah is a distinct variety from Syrah, though it is often shelved with it. In the glass, wines of this type usually show inky purple-black color and concentrated dark fruit such as blackberry, blueberry, and plum, often with notes of black pepper, dried herbs, or cocoa. Expect a full body, assertive tannins that grip the palate, and enough acidity to keep the weight from feeling heavy. Oak is typically present as a supporting layer of spice or toast, and the finish tends to run long and dense. The tannin structure is the defining trait, so this is a wine that rewards food and patience more than a quick pour at the counter. At the table, it suits foods with fat and char that can match its power: grilled ribeye or lamb chops, braised short ribs, burgers with sharp cheddar, smoked brisket, or sausages with peppery spice. Aged hard cheeses and dark-sauced dishes work as well. Delicate fish and lightly seasoned vegetables will be overwhelmed. Serve it at roughly 60 to 65°F, which is slightly cooler than a warm room, to keep the alcohol in check and the fruit in focus. A decant of an hour or more softens the tannins and opens the aromas, and it is worth doing if you are opening the bottle young. A large Bordeaux-style glass gives the wine room to breathe. Petite Sirah of this caliber generally has the structure to age well for a decade or more, so it can be cellared, but with decanting it is also approachable if you prefer to drink it sooner alongside a rich meal.