While Arroyo makes several types of wines they claim that the Petite Syrah is their signature. Dive into the 1999 Arroyo Petite Sirah Winemaker’s Reserve and taste the fire in the barrel. This particular Syrah is barrel-aged for 34 months and is aged well. The nose gives a strong berry scent (and is strongly similar to their Petite Syrah Port: imagine that) and the flavor compliments it well with an earthy tone that is full. While enjoying this wine by itself I can imagine it would compliment a well cooked steak or a rather spicy dish. The aftermath of this wine is a dry palette but a lingering flavor that is quite nice. Being a fan of full wines, I can’t wait to try their Zinfandel.

Arroyo is a Napa winery and they don’t distribute their wines so if you want to try them out you will have to order directly from the winery (or go and taste). It helps to know that a number of their wines sell out so you might try getting on the waiting list, and I promise it will be worth the wait.

Excellent alone or with a spicy dish, this wine has a very long finish.

Owner: Vincent Arroyo
Winemaker: Vincent Arroyo
Appellation: Vincent Arroyo Winery, Napa California
Vintage: 1999
Grape: Petite Sirah
Drink now or let it linger and drink whenever.
Drinkable Score: 8.0/10

Price: I think I paid about $30 a bottle (give or take)

http://www.vincentarroyo.com/