Barra of Mendocino ‘Reserve’ Petite Sirah, Mendocino, California

The 2021 Barra of Mendocino Reserve Petite Sirah is a bold, hillside-grown red that carries on the legacy of one of Mendocino’s pioneering wine families. Sourced entirely from organically farmed grapes at the estate’s Bella Collina Vineyard, this wine delivers a rich tapestry of dark fruit, plush texture, and balanced structure, a tribute to both the land and the visionary growers who shaped it.

Product Details:

• Varietal: 100% Petite Sirah
• Vineyard: Bella Collina Vineyard (27 acres, 925 ft elevation)
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• pH: 3.65
• TA: 0.61 g/100ml
• RS: 0.40 g/100ml
• Production: 389 cases
• Farming: Certified organic
• Aging: 18 months; 30% new French oak, balance neutral
• Coopers: Radoux, Francois Frères, Nadalie, Marchive, Tonnellerie Ô
• Winemaker: Randy Meyer
• Owner: Martha Barra
• Vineyard Manager: Roberto Gonzalez

Sensory Description:

Deep and dark in the glass, the 2021 Reserve Petite Sirah opens with concentrated aromas of blackberry, black plum, dark chocolate, and toffee. On the palate, rich cassis and cherry flavors unfold in layers, supported by a velvety mouthfeel and bright fruit energy. Despite its youth, this wine shows remarkable balance and a maturity that promises graceful evolution with cellaring.

Awards & Accolades:

• Gold Medal, 2021 Vintage – San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (2024)
• 91 Points – Wine Enthusiast

Winemaker's Background:

BARRA of Mendocino represents the continuation of a vision that began in the 1940s with Charlie Barra, a second-generation grape grower descended from Italian immigrants. After purchasing Redwood Valley Vineyards in 1955, Charlie helped lead the charge toward varietal-focused farming on the North Coast, working with luminaries like Karl Wente and Robert Mondavi. Petite Sirah was among the first varietals he championed, and in 1997, it became the inaugural wine for the newly launched BARRA brand. Today, Charlie’s wife Martha and their dedicated team carry on his legacy through sustainably crafted, organically grown estate wines.

Serving Suggestions:

Best served at 60–65°F, this robust Petite Sirah shines alongside hearty fare such as braised short ribs, grilled lamb, or mushroom risotto. Its depth and structure also make it an ideal companion for aged cheeses or slow-roasted meats on a cool evening.

A wine born from high-elevation vines and cultivated history, the 2021 Reserve Petite Sirah captures the spirit of Mendocino with elegance and integrity. It’s a heartfelt expression of place, family, and one man’s enduring passion for quality.