2004 Titus Napa Valley Petite Sirah |
 Vintage
Demonstrating many similarities to the 1997 vintage, the 2004 growing season began with normal rainfall followed by an early, pleasantly warm Spring marked by timely bud-break and bloom. The first signs of veraison appeared several weeks ahead of schedule in the first few days of July. Cooler summer temperatures allowed for steady, even ripening of the moderately sized crop. A few days of hot, windy weather in August lent a final touch of richness and concentration to the fruit. Vineyard
After many years of purchasing Petite Sirah from other growers to blend into our Zinfandel, we finally planted our own. Our family vineyard is located on 40 acres of Vinification The grapes were harvested in September and promptly de-stemmed but not crushed, allowing increased control over tannin extraction by minimizing the possibility of broken skins and split seeds. After a 48-hour cold soak to extract color and flavor, the grapes were fermented for 8 days, with pump-overs occurring twice daily. The free-run was transferred to new and two-year-old American oak barrels where it underwent malolactic fermentation, then barrel aging for 20 months. Wine Profile Dark and inky in appearance, our 2004 Petite Sirah demonstrates a balanced concentration of fruit and structure. The initial whiffs of bright cherry and strawberry jam lead to darker tones of blackberry, blueberry, black tea, cracked pepper, spicy oak and sleek vanilla. The vibrant and full-bodied palate expresses waves of wild strawberry, black currant, blue plum, violets and cocoa-dusted dark chocolate truffle. Rich tannins relay the lingering berry flavors past the long finish line. This is finesse-tamed rusticity, perfect for decanting and great with “big” foods. Recommended drinking time is three to four years from vintage, maximum suggested aging is ten years from vintage. Detailed Wine InformationVineyard Manager: Eric Titus
Winemaker: Phillip Titus
Appellation: Napa Valley
Blend: 100% Petite Sirah
Harvest Date: 9/10/04 - 9/28/04
Barrel Aging: 14 months
33% new barrels
100% American oak
Bottled: June 2006
Cases Produced: 348
Alcohol: 14.5%
Total Acidity: .54 grams/100 ml
pH 3.83
Release: September 2006
Press & Praise
91+ Points "Produced from one of California's most underrated varietals the 2004 Petite Sirah boasts plenty of blackberry, smoke, licorice, and incense aromas, beautiful flavors of blueberries, vanilla, violets and other assorted flowers, and plenty of silky tannin. Still unevolved and primary, but beautifully made, it should be at its finest between 2009-2020." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate (Dec. 2006) One Puff - 90 Points “As this very well-made wine so capably attests, it is possible for Petite Sirah to be both fruity and true to its varietal heritage. It is not so much “brawny” as it is weighty and nicely filled, and its proper suggestions of pepper and earth are underlain by a deep sense of optimally ripened blackberries. It leans to ripeness and dries a touch at the finish with moderate tannins providing a bit of varietal grip.” Conoisseurs' Guide To California Wine (May 2007) “The 2004 Titus Vineyards Petite Sirah, of which only 350 cases were made, was clearly one of the crowd favorites. At $35, this could have been the best value at the tasting. Score: 94.” Doug Ernst, St Helena Star - March 1, 2007 (Review of Appellation St. Helena Trade Tasting)
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