by Ethan Johnson
September 7, 2008

One less/wine bottle to open/One less/cork to pull:

Producer (Vineyard): Marietta Winery
Varietal (Grape type): 76% Petite Sirah, 22% Syrah, 2% Viognier
Vintage (Year): 2004
Country: USA (California)
Color: Red
Cost: Moderate ($18 USD)

Swirl and Sniff: The color is inky purple (standard operating procedure for PS). The initial scent was alcohol like the Space Shuttle emits some flames during liftoff. Over time, I got peaches (!), cherries, and more alcohol.

Taste: Very smooth. Also very tart and almost a ringer for a mouthful of raspberries, with an alcohol kick. Over time, I got the usual blueberry taste that reds have been delivering lately.

Pairing: I drank this with pot roast. I got the mystical Third Flavor when combining the roast and wine in my mouth, but I couldn't really explain what it was. As a stand-alone drink, I liked this, but the alcohol mallet really sapped my youthful vigor.

Rating: When it comes to this wine, I would (and you may):

• Buy three or more bottles for regular enjoyment
• Buy a bottle or two for occasional enjoyment
• Ask for when dining out or at a party
• Settle for if your preferred wine is not available
• Politely decline and never drink again, ever

I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting Petite Sirah offerings, so regardless of how this turned out I had to try it once. I think I'd need to share this bottle, as two glasses was a bit much for me. This wine has a lower alcohol content than other reds I have been sampling lately, but perhaps this blend delivered more punch. Anyway, definitely a wine I'd meet again in a public, well-lit area.

If you do give this a try, please let me know how your experience compared with mine. Thanks! <EM>

(The Totally Unpretentious Wine Reviews Index may be found here.)