Parducci 1998 Petite Sirah: the ideal inexpensive alternative
Written: May 31 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Yummy fruits with lightly spicy, warm finish.
Cons: It's not complex, but what do expect for $7?
The Bottom Line: A fine choice for an everyday red, especially if you enjoy full fruit flavors. Much better than expected for the price, and consistently enjoyable.
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| QuietI's Full Review: Parducci Petite Sirah 1997 |
I know there are better wines out there, but if you're looking for a fruity, medium-bodied red that pairs well with many foods, the Parducci 1998 Petite Sirah is it. I like to have a glass of wine with dinner, and I far prefer reds to whites. This Parducci suits my palate perfectly. Here's the rundown:
In the glass: A beautiful dark purplish red, highly and somewhat scarily reminiscent of concord grape juice. The little bubbles along the rim of the glass have that same reddish-purple tinge. This wine is only slightly viscous, and has no legs to speak of.
Nose: Fruit predominates, with blackberries and currants eventually emerging beneath the cherry that dominates everything. You also catch a hint of the spiciness, too, but it's mostly the fruit.
Taste: Nicely tart, with the dominant cherry taste supported by notes of blackberries, currants, and prune plums. I think this is completely delightful, if not very complex. I don't really taste any tannins in the "front of mouth" experience.
Finish:: This is where the hint of peppery spiciness comes out. There is still an echo of the fruitiness in the long, warm finish. Never provokes puckers!
For once, I actually agree with what it says on the label, which I did not read until after I had made my tasting notes: A rich, medium bodied wine with generous aromas and flavors of black cherry and berry, enhanced with hints of sweet oak. Enjoy with grilled meats and pastas with robust sauces. This wine does indeed stand up well to the smoky flavors off the grill, but does equally well with milder chicken or seafood dishes. It's quite lovely with chocolate, too (although perhaps a pinot noir is the best match for that).
For more information about Parducci, the winemaking process, and this particular vintage, I recommend Parducci's website, www.parducci.com. Of their three inexpensive red wine offerings, the petite sirah is my definite favorite.
Recommended:
Yes
Year: 1998
Winery Name: Parducci
Varietal: Petite Sirah
Designation: Vineyard Select
Country: USA
State or Region: California
County or Appellation: Mendocino
Price: 7.00
Wine Rating Scale: A solid performer
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Epinions.com ID:
QuietI
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Member: Joan Hedman
Location: Chandler, AZ
Reviews written: 89
Trusted by: 70 members
About Me:
Busy. Life. You know.
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