Belated notes from a tasting I hosted in early September:
1995 Stags' Leap Winery Petite Sirah - USA, California, Napa Valley (9/6/2011)
A little bit austere, but still showing some fruit. The tannins are rather harsh though. Drink up!
1995 Ridge Petite Sirah York Creek - USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District (9/6/2011)
Deep, dark stuff. This is still quite tannic, though it has enough fruit for balance. Still shows some of its youthful oak as well. Can be drunk now (and was better 3 hours later), but might be best to wait.
1996 Ridge Petite Sirah York Creek - USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District (9/6/2011)
Very obviously plummy in character (not pruney!). Ripe, rich and hiding its tannins well until the very back end. Lots of time left here.
1997 Ridge Petite Sirah York Creek - USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District (9/6/2011)
More linear in style than the 1996, yet still with lots of fruit and plenty of structure. I find the balance to be more correct here. Would seem ideally set for extended aging.