Cabernet can be tough to ripen in a cool climate, can Vino Salida Petite Sirah offer a better chance to enjoy the wines of Colorado than Cab Sauv?

Sight:  A deep purple core with hot magenta edges that gracefully stain the glass as it moves.

Smell:  Kerosene was the initial thought when I smelled this, but diesel has a strong case for the top note.  This belies some of the bigger smells hiding in here.  Deep raisin, baked cherries, and smoked blackberries all have presence.  There are deep spices complimenting the fruit smells.

Sip:  What’s interesting is how soft it starts, before getting bright and increasingly tannic.  The flavors of kerosene and diesel are still present, but there’s a herbal character mixed with deep blackberry, black cherry, and preserved spiced blueberry backbone.  A hint of charcoal as well.  The fruit definitely is second fiddle to some of the other strong elements.

Savor:  There’s a nice dried currant and cherry taste that has some baked bread qualities to it in the finish.  The tannins are heavy, aggressive, and chunky in their texture.

Vino Salida Petite Sirah a powerful wine, but some of the non-fruit flavors make things turbulent to enjoy.  As Petite Sirah goes, Vino Salida Petite Sirah does have the required elements down; big jammy fruit, strong tannic backbone, and good body.  Where it gets off track is the strong smell of diesel and kerosene.  Waiting a year or two probably wouldn’t hurt here, thanks to the acidity and tannin, which will lend to aging potential.  There’s definite potential here with Vino Salida Petite Sirah, it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on Vino Salida going forward.

Verdict:  Diesel, Jammy Blackberry, Black Cherry, Chunky Tannins
Price: $15
Salida, Colorado