R&B Cellars

Vineyards:
Bingham Ranch is one of the oldest vineyards in the Napa Valley. It has been in the same family since the mid 1800's, homesteading times, and was planted with vineyards in the 1950's. The Petite Sirah was planted in the 1980's, and is on the northern edge of the ranch. It is a small berry clone that benefits from extended hang time for optimal ripeness.

The Wine:
Harvested in mid October, the Petite Sirah from Bingham ranch was perfect. Fruit was hand sorted, and then crushed and de-stemmed into half ton macro bins. A three-day cold soak was done before fermentation. Hand punched down twice a day during fermentation and then gently pressed off and put into 100% French oak barrels. The wine was racked four times while aging in barrels, and then lightly filtered for bottling. 3% 2009 Zinfandel was added in the final blend to soften the edges.

Winemaker's Comments:
This Petite Sirah is dark, powerfully flavored, and intense. An explosion of flavors with hints of blueberry, black currant, and dark plum tones that match beautifully with the French oak notes of chocolate and exotic spice. As the name Pizzicato denotes, this wine has lots of "pluck" so you better be ready for some serious wine. In matching with food, big flavors only need apply!