Discover this bold wine that is anything but petite.

The Petite Sirah has found it's home in California. In the 1880s, Dr. Durif's engineered grape was taken to Calfornia. There, this relative of Syrah, is turned into big, beautiful, red wines.

I selected the Concannon Petite Sirah, fromt he Central Coast of California, to accompany my Easter rack of lamb. Both my guests and I were well pleased. The peppery flavors married well with the grilled lamb. The full, rounded fruit flavors kept it from over taking the side dishes (aspargus with sesame seeds and rosemary potatoes).

After the Concannon was finished we tried the Kempton Clark Petite Sirah. This was an excellent choice as well. It's inky red made it pleasing to the eye. The substantial tannins made certain that our palates were kept awake. Fortunately I had opened the Kempton Clark before it was needed.

This wine needs time to open up to share its full flavors. The vanilla and tobacco flavors were lucious. We were still enjoying this wine when we turned to the Lindt dark chocolates. Yummy!

Both these wines can be found for under $15.

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