Wine Review - 2012 McManis Petit Sirah: The Smell Of Cali In A Glass

McManis Vineyards Petit Sirah

We were upsold this wine at our local Liquor Store by a staffer who seems to really know his stuff as being "the best $20 wine in the store". When you use that kind of language with us, it's like waving a red flag in front of a bull. We'll just see about that.

Challenge accepted!

Little did he know we have a soft spot for good California wine and we waited a little while before opening this one.  When we did, let's just say our skeptic minds were in full effect.

Long story short....okay, he was right.

The look of this wine like a Malbec when you pour it.  Very deep purple colour with a Welch's look to it and though it is that dark, it doesn't look thick.  The legs are speedy and it has a much more medium bodied look to it.  The colour makes it look interesting and we like that.

Where this comes alive is the awesome nose as it smells like California.  That rural and floral nose transports us to Northern California.  We get big violets on the nose combined with orange blossom honey with little vanilla bean mixed in with some raisins.  Complex and bold...it just rocks.

This wine has round tannins that are mouth-watering and though it's slightly thin on the tongue, it has a nice mouth feel and great structure with a tart finish.  Full marks on the residual sugars which do not overwhelm that palate and allows the fruit to come to the surface.  On that level we get plums and bing cherries which make this a delicious wine.  Awesome tasting experience.  Top drawer stuff.

	Tasting Notes:	Score:
Sight (0-5)	Very purple wine, very reminiscent of Malbec	4.25
Smell (0-5)	Amazing nose that smells of California with violets, honey, vanilla, and raisins	4.75
Taste (0-10)	Round with a tart finish and great structure. Plums and bing cherries dominate on this delicious wine	9.0
	Total:	18.0 / 20 (90%)

This is really a great wine at $20 maybe the best in the store.  At $30 it would still be worth it.  Great selection and challenge complete.  Well played...

Keep on tasting!

Chris & Shannon