This wine does not portend well for Rosenblum’s future. It’s dull and soft and earthy, with simple berry flavors.——S.H.(10/1/2009)—— 80

With the exception of the Heritage Clones cuvee, Rosenblum Cellars’ Petite Sirahs are all inky/purple-colored. The Heritage Clones and Pato Vineyard are relatively soft for this varietal. I would opt for drinking the 2005 Petite Sirah Heritage Clones over the next 5-6 years. The ever reliable Kent Rosenblum continues to turn out a portfolio of delicious Zinfandels. Along with Napa’s Biale family and a short list of other North Coast producers, Rosenblum Cellars is as good as it gets when it comes to Zinfandel. Petite Sirah may be California’s most underrated wine, especially when it comes to aging potential. It will never possess the complexity of a top Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon, but it can age effortlessly for two decades or more. I still have some Petite Sirahs from the early seventies in my cellar, and they remain delicious wines.Tel. (510) 865-7007

Good Petite Sirah that comes down on the chic side of rustic. Shows jiggy-jaggy tannins, wild berry, chocolate and pepper flavors and a high alcohol prickliness, yet it’s dry, with that mysterious, drink-me-again quality.——S.H.(11/1/2007)—— 87

There are nearly 10,000 cases of the stunning 2004 Petite Sirah Heritage Clone. A dense ruby/purple hue is accompanied by glorious aromas of creme de cassis, vanilla, incense, crushed rocks, blackberries, and smoke. It is a full-bodied, tannic, chewy, rich, pedal-to-the-metal effort with low acidity as well as ripe tannin. The latter two components will make it difficult to resist, but it should age well for 15-20 years. Tel. (510) 865-7007

On the off-dry side of the fence, this zaftig wine has gigantic flavors of blackberry jam, cassis-laced cola, raspberry tart and smoke. It’s hot in alcohol, but the heat expresses itself as a white peppery, nutmeggy spice that seasons the fruit. ——S.H.(11/15/2006)—— 87