Quixote Petite Syrah 2011

Full ruby. High-toned aromas of blackberry, licorice and mint. Juicy and light on its feet for the variety, with black fruit flavors complicated by spices and game. Finishes with lovely lift and spicy persistence. Serious tannins here but with enough balancing black fruit flavor. I like the effect of the cooler vintage here.

The strength of this estate's Petite Syrah program is evidenced by the 2011 Petite Syrah Stags Leap Ranch, which was aged in equal parts new French and American oak. It offers lots of floral, blueberry and raspberry fruit as well as a full-bodied, dense, pure style. Still primary, but impressive, it should drink well for a decade or more.