Wolff Vineyards

Jean-Pierre Wolff and his wife, Elke, purchased the historic MacGregor Vineyard in the Edna Valley in 1999. At the time, the property was planted with 55 acres of Chardonnay, and Wolff set about planting some of the usual cool-climate grapes: Pinot Noir, Riesling, even Syrah. But Petite Sirah? Most California Petite Sirah is planted in warm areas, not side by side with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Wolff knew he was taking a risk when he decided to plant Petite, but Syrah performed well in the appellation, and Wolff reasoned that Petite Sirah – a cross between Syrah and Peloursin – might be a success, too. He was right.

His Petite Sirah isn’t a big, jammy monster, but rather a savory creation that’s reminiscent of a northern Rhone Syrah. The wine, which is aged in American oak, is a spicy, peppery Petite, with dark, robust blackberry fruit. It’s a muscular wine, but it’s not over the top. Its spicy nuances would make the Wolff Petite Sirah, which sells for $21.50, a good accompaniment for various types of grilled meats, from steak to pork ribs to a juicy cheeseburger.

Reviewed August 19, 2007 by Laurie Daniel.