2005 William Harrison Cabernet Franc Rutherford Estate. This wine, on the other hand, has loads of character even if it is frankly in a very surly teenager state. The term "spiky" kept coming to mind here. Much more on the dark raspberry and anise/cassis/soy sauce side. Green pepper notes coming through. A little discombobulated but much more interesting and enjoyable. Hint of brett and a lot of savory/soy elements add complexity.
Ultimately, I would rather drink an interesting wine with issues
2005 Quixote Petit Sirah Napa Valley (Stags' Leap) The original Stags Leap Winery owner's "retirement" project made in a cool hippy German Architect (Hunterwasser)-designed fantasy winery building.
Outstanding Petit Sirah. Nice purple grapey color. Very elegant and balanced on the palate (yes...this is Petit Sirah) with tons of herbaceous character...very strong tomato leaf, with black pepper and earth coming out later. Blackberry fruit. tons and tons of acidity...in a Petit Sirah?...palate cleansing character, even a touch of refreshing astringency which surprised me quite a bit. Accompanied by a lighter mouth feel...180 degrees away from the Blueberry Oakshakes like Earhquake Petit Sirah type wines that I am more familiar with (to my dislike
) Went very well with smoked ribs. This reminded me quite a bit of a few other Napa Valley Petit Sirahs I have tried from similar quality vineyard sources-Madrigal north of St. Helena for one. I am now looking forward to trying the David Fulton from St. Helena to see how that wine compares.