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Mission Codename: The Great Toothbrush Incident

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Operative’s favorite, Adobe Road Winery, and return with their newest Petite Sirah

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Adobe Road Winery

Wine Subject: 2006 Adobe Road Petite Sirah – Knights Valley, Bavarian Lion Vineyard

Winemaker: Michael Scorsone

Backgrounder: Sonoma County’s Knight’s Valley sits at the easternmost edge of the County, far from the cooling of the Pacific Ocean. The fact that this high benchland AVA (American Viticultural Area) gets so much hot sun during the growing season makes it the perfect region for growing richly extracted Petite Sirah. For today’s wine, Agent Red returns to our old friends, Adobe Road Winery, and he returns with their extraordinarily flavorful and drinkable 2006 Knight’s Valley Petite Sirah. Read about Agent Reds interview with Adobe winemaker, Michael Scorsone, following his tasting notes below

Petite Sirah’s California roots dates back to when it was believed to be a close relative of the Syrah grape. Later it would be found to be genetically identical to the Durif, named for its after French discoverer François Durif who found that the varietal was a Syrah grape pollinated with Peloursin flowers. Its smaller berries with higher skin to pulp ratio leads to more intense flavors. Another benefit of the smaller berries are tighter clusters that are more resistant to mildew. Currently Petite Sirah is less popular in France and increasingly popular in the United States.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep and brooding dark purple with a deeper inky heart. When swirled, this wine has a softly springy surface that settles quickly, leaving behind tight-packed clusters of some of the longest and skinniest legs I have even seen on a petite!

Smell – A bright rush of red and black fruit race up to tickle your nose. Aromas of bright Bing cherry and red raspberry are doled out in equal proportion with dark mixed berries with a certain authentic wallop of wild blackberry, right off the vine. These smells sit right atop aromas of soft eucalyptus, casis and delightfully fresh forest floor

Feel – A very wet wine intitially with a coolness that feels refreshing. Then, after a few moments, fine grained tannins go to work, quickly drying the tongue and the roof of the mouth

Taste – Richly layered, balanced with bright and darkly concentrated flavors of bright cherry, underripe strawberry, raspberry with darker flavors of ripe black plum, jammy roasted blackberry and blueberry, cassis, dark cherry and a hint of sweet dried fall leaves

Finish – Initially dry, this wine goes long with darker flavors and then its bright flavors return, making the mouth absolutely water!

Conclusion – We are huge fans of great Petite Sirah, so when a really great one comes along, we get really excited. Today’s wine represents one of the most balanced Petite Sirah’s I can recall. Where many PS’s are rife with oak or over-the-top concentrated fruit, this one is more lighthearted. Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of character and flavor present in this great wine. The fruit and the feel are what really impress, though. With a brightness and a sweetness that makes the wine a delicious delight to sip, this wine wine shows off its fruit – without allowing it to be overpowered by harsh tannins or big oakiness like other Petite’s. If you love brightly authentic fruit flavors, balanced against darker flavors, this is a wonderful wine for you. The unique and evolving feel is also a big draw, as is the dynamic finish. We paired this wine with a variety of snacks, including hard cheeses, dried meats and brick-oven pizza. It worked beautifully with everything. Today’s wine get’s my highest recommendation for any fan of great Petite Sirah.

Mission Report:

Today we are very pleased to bring you an interview with the very busy winemaker for Adobe Road Winery, Michael Scorsone:

AGENT RED: Greetings, Michael. We are thrilled to be showing your newest Dry Creek Zin today. The wine is great. Thanks so much for the wine, and for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today. I don’t know if you know this, but Adobe Road has the distinction of being the winery we have featured the most during the last two years. We’re that impressed with your work!

MICHAEL SCORSONE: Thanks, Red, my pleasure to spend a few minutes with you today.

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

MICHAEL: Growing-up in an Italian Family, attending the C.I.A, Being a professional chef.

RED: C.I.A.?! By that, you mean the Culinary Institute of America and not that other spy agency. Tell me this, where did you learn the most about winemaking?

MICHAEL: I learned a lot through previous jobs and schooling, Traveling and working in Italy, France, New Zealand. However, anyone can learn to make wine. It’s personality and philosophy that sets us apart.

RED: What is your winemaking style or philosophy?

MICHAEL: Let the wines show character and personality. A strong sense of vineyard location. Show tradition…but not afraid to take chances. Don’t make the wine into something it’s not.

RED: Porsche racing legend, Kevin Buckler, owns the winery. How much input does he have during the winemaking process?

MICHAEL: Kevin has a great pallet! He is always tasting with us and giving input. He definitely brings something to the table.

RED: How long have you been making wine?

MICHAEL: ’09 will be my 8th vintage.

RED: Excellent. And who do you make wine for?

MICHAEL: Myself!

RED: Right answer! Tell me, what makes the Napa Valley so special?

MICHAEL: The people

RED: What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone that is considering a career as a winemaker?

MICHAEL: It is a lifestyle…not just a job! You have to love it and be passionate about farming and winemaking. Yes.. it is romantic, but it is very hard work.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

MICHAEL: Traveling …… You have to sell the stuff too!!!!

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today

MICHAEL: Lots of fresh black plumb and sweet baking spices. This wine is from very old vines in the hills of dry creek.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

MICHAEL: BBQ

RED: Please share one thing about yourself that few people know

MICHAEL: If I tell you….then everyone will know.

RED: What is your favorite ‘everyday’ or table wine?

MICHAEL: I love “Burgundy” I also love to find cheap random “old-world” wines that are usually overlooked.

RED: How would you recommend that people approach your wines, or wine in general?

MICHAEL: With a corkscrew, a glass, and a willing attitude!

RED: Nice! If you could choose any one wine to drink (regardless of price or availability), what would it be?

MICHAEL: Wow !!!! I could go crazy trying to narrow that down to one wine. Probably some older Domain Dujac from Burgundy

RED: What is the one question that I should have asked you, and what is your answer to that question?

MICHAEL: Shaken…….not stirred and long walks on a beach

RED: Interesting… Well, Michael, thank very much for spending this time with me. Keep up the great work, we continue to be big fans!

MICHAEL: Thanks, Red!