Fleur Petite Sirah, North Coast, California

Dark currant, salted plum, fig, and black tea open with depth, while bright acidity and measured tannins keep the wine energetic rather than heavy. 2022 Fleur Petite Sirah, North Coast, California marks Fleur de California’s 20th year producing Petite Sirah and reflects a deliberately smoother, fruit-driven interpretation of a variety often known for formidable structure. Cool fermentation, abbreviated skin contact, and extended French oak aging express the house philosophy of preserving generous fruit while bringing Petite Sirah’s natural power into balance.

Product Details:

• Producer: Fleur de California, Carneros Wine Company
• Owners: Francis Mahoney and Kathy Mahoney
• Winemaker: Ken Foster
• Vintage: 2022
• Grapes: Petite Sirah
• Fermentation: Cool-temperature fermentation with shorter skin contact to emphasize fruit and moderate extraction
• Aging: 22 months in French oak, approximately 20% new
• pH: 3.55
• TA: 5.28 g/L
• ABV: 13.8%
• Case Production: 725 cases
• Closure: Ganau UNIQ Basic

Sensory Description:

Deep purple-red in color, the wine opens with currant, salted plum, fig, and black tea, followed by earthy notes of forest floor and a restrained layer of toasted oak. The palate is medium in weight, with concentrated dark fruit balanced by moderate tannins and bright acidity that provide definition and grip. Extended barrel aging softens the variety’s naturally firm structure, leaving a fruit-forward Petite Sirah with savory complexity and a composed, persistent finish.

Awards & Accolades:

• Gold: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2026
• Double Gold: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2024

Producer’s Background:

Fleur de California is part of Carneros Wine Company, founded by Francis and Kathy Mahoney, pioneers of winegrowing in the Carneros region. The Fleur label traces its roots to the 1980s and was conceived around approachable wines emphasizing clear varietal character and fresh fruit. Winemaker and General Manager Ken Foster has helped broaden the portfolio beyond its Pinot Noir origins, including Petite Sirah sourced from the North Coast. For this bottling, the production approach intentionally tempers Petite Sirah’s natural density through cooler fermentation, shorter skin contact, and extended barrel maturation, producing a style centered on fruit, balance, and supple structure.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at approximately 16 to 18 degrees Celsius in a large red wine glass to give the dark fruit, spice, and earthy aromatics room to develop. Its combination of concentrated fruit, moderate tannin, and lively acidity makes it particularly well suited to braised beef, smoked brisket, grilled lamb, short ribs, barbecue, or mushroom-rich dishes.