1996 Markham Petite Sirah (Napa)
Decanted for 90 minutes. Sediment of the chunky and bottle coating variety were in evidence.
The wine is dense inky black with absolutely no sign of fade. I imagine it was exactly this color when it left the barrel and hasn't changed one iota. Chewy tannins and creme vanilla oak still dominate this with a supporting cast of somewhat assertive acids. Subtle blackberry fruit, a hint of sage and light dill emerge on the palate and the finish kicks in with black pepper galore.
I found the wine interesting, but not compelling at this point. Definitely requires a hearty meal to balance out its rebellious nature. I have a lone bottle remaining in the cellar and don't plan on even looking at it for at least another 6 or 8 years.
For some unknown reason, I stopped buying Markham after the 1997 vintage. I thought their Cabernet Sauvignon was a consistent QPR...is that still the case?
'Winger