Even bigger, richer and potentially more promising, but limited in availability is the 2008 Petite Sirah Dry Creek. Made from 100% Petite Sirah that has been 100% destemmed and aged in neutral French oak, there are fewer than 50 cases of this killer wine. However, it will not be ready for prime time drinking for at least another five years and it should still be delicious 30 years from now. It is amazing to think that fifteen years ago no one had ever heard of Carlisle Winery and Vineyards or Mike Officer. Moreover, what Officer has done to preserve old vine Zinfandel vineyards in Sonoma is nothing short of astonishing. Add to that success story his sensational line-up of Syrahs, Petite Sirahs and Rhone Ranger blends and it is undeniable that this man and his winery are at the top of their game. These are artisanal, world-class reds that remain among California's most fairly priced high quality wines. Following is a look at the 2008s from bottle as well as a preview of the charming, seductive 2009s. Mike Officer says 2009 is a strong year for his wines, but since he has done nearly everything right, it is hard for me to say his 2009s are better than previous vintages. Certainly he will not have much production in 2010 given all the issues Zinfandel vineyards had in that year. Readers who love these wines are advised to stock up on what is left of the 2008s as well as the upcoming 2009s.Tel. (707) 566-7700; Fax (707) 566-7200

The 2006 Petite Sirah from the Yorkville Highlands is black/purple to the rim, with an exceptional nose of blueberry and blackberry liqueur intermixed with incense and a perfumed spring flower garden note. Huge, rich, and full, this is a great wine with terrific intensity, length, and purity. Mike Officer deserves huge accolades for these extraordinary wines, and I can’t recommend them highly enough.Previously recommended: 2004 Syrah Judge Family Vineyard (95), 2004 Syrah Pelkan Ranch (90), 2004 Three Birds (93), 2004 Two Acres (93), 2004 Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard (93), 2004 Zinfandel Carlo’s Ranch (91), 2004 Zinfandel Fava Ranch (91), 2004 Zinfandel Rossi Ranch (92), 2004 Zinfandel Tom Feeney Ranch (94).Tel. (707) 566-7700; Fax (707) 566-7200

The last offering from 2005 that readers should take seriously is the enormously endowed 2005 Petite Sirah. This wine is dark as a moonless night, full-bodied, with hints of incense, camphor, blueberry, and blackberry jam. This massive wine is probably best forgotten for at least 4-5 years, but wines like this can age effortlessly for 20-25 years. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this wine turn out to be gorgeous around 2020+. Previously recommended: 2004 Syrah Judge Family Vineyard (95), 2004 Syrah Pelkan Ranch (90), 2004 Three Birds (93), 2004 Two Acres (93), 2004 Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard (93), 2004 Zinfandel Carlo’s Ranch (91), 2004 Zinfandel Fava Ranch (91), 2004 Zinfandel Rossi Ranch (92), 2004 Zinfandel Tom Feeney Ranch (94).Tel. (707) 566-7700; Fax (707) 566-7200