GUENOC PETITE SIRAH CALIFORNIA 2005

Guenoc went through a resurrection in recent years, retiring the Lily Langtry labels for a more clean, simple package. The wines have come back to a more qualitative style, offering up the kind of juice those familiar with the old days were used to, thanks to new management, new winemaker and renewed focus. Case-in-point, the Petite Sirah California 2005 ($8.59) is a great value in “Pets,” with a solid, medium-bodied expression of the often-misunderstood red varietal that is descended from Syrah and Durif (an obscure Rhone varietal brought to the U.S. back in the 19th Century). Black fruit intermixes in the nose with floral and spice notes. There’s a lot of dried blackberry and plum flavors, with hints of apple peel, clove and cedar on the palate. The tannins are dry, yet the finish lingers, leaving the impression of a black cherry tart. A very affordable PS!