Maceration Notes:
Petite sirah fruit for this wine went through a 14-day fermentation, pumpovers occurring for an hour, twice per day. After being sampled daily to watch the tannin structure develop, it was pressed off at 1.5 degrees brix to avoid over-extraction.

Sensory Notes:
The 2005 Lily Hill petite sirah is a marvelous example of this Rhone Valley classic. The color is a midnight purple that one would expect from petite sirah; however, the nose exhibits floral tones, as well as the standard earthier notes. This wine envelopes the palate with its smooth texture and soft, approachable tannins. Dark berries and sweet oak are evident in the long-lasting finish. Expect this wine to cellar well for up to 12 years.

Vineyard Notes:
Lily Hill petite sirah is grown and produced on our estate in the northern Dry Creek Valley. The thin, clay-rich soil and eastern sun exposure help the vines to produce the dark, thick-skinned berries that make petite sirah so intense.

Vintage Synopsis:
The 2005 harvest was a banner year for many wine regions, with the Dry Creek Valley being no exception. A long, cool growing climate allowed the grapes to hang until their optimal ripeness. This resulted in more intense flavors as well as a leisurely crush that extended fully into November.

Strictly limited production. Only 350 cases produced.