2017 Theo-patra’s Cuvée Cerise by Theopolis Vineyards
2017 Theo-patra’s Cuvée Cerise by Theopolis Vineyards
This complex cuvée is delightful from first encounter to last sip. Perfumed notes of dried cherry, violets, bell pepper, and sweet baking spice greet you in the glass. The palate is rich and juicy with notes of cherry preserves and buttery shortbread that transcend to a long, warm finish. A perfect glass on its own, this wine also pairs beautifully with warm comforting cuisine.
*SOLD OUT*
DESCRIPTION
SCORES AND AWARDS
91 Points - Grapelive
"The extended aged deep purple/garnet 2017 Theo-Patra’s Cuvée Cerise is surprisingly fresh and vibrantly spiced with a smooth full bodied palate of black fruit and showing a delicately perfumed nose making for a wine that was an easy, but serious companion to late meal and cheese plate.... This vintage, which was held back in barrel, was made from 50% Petite Sirah, the winery’s signature grape, and the main varietal of their iconic Theopolis terraced vineyard in the Yorkville Highlands, and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, which they sourced from outside their own vines and region, hence the California wine on the label....This 2017 flows densely across the palate with blackberries, blueberries, plum and creme de cassis leading the way along with a bright peppery note, subtle florals, mint, sage and anise, as well as a touch of fig, cedar and coco powder. Theodora, who’s fast becoming part of the fabric of the new California wine scene and a modern champion of the Petite Sirah grape, had told me this was a wine I didn’t want to miss, and she was right, I was very impressed with this special edition of her namesake Theo-Patra’s Cuvée, of which only 132 cases were made.
As mentioned and reviewed many times here at Grapelive, the Theopolis Vineyards Estate Petite Sirah is one of the best new versions of this grape in the state, grown in Mendocino County’s Yorkville Highlands. Petite Sirah or Petite Syrah is also known as Durif and originally comes from an accidental crossing of Peloursin and Syrah vines in the southwest of France. For the Theopolis Theo-Patra’s Cuvée Cerise the Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon were fermented in separate small lots with hand punch downs and saw a full extraction of color and tannin before being blended and barrel aged a full 48 months before bottling to mature this ripe and powerful wine. Best to enjoy this expressive effort that lingers on with an aftertaste that adds sandalwood, kirsch and dried violets, with robust cuisine and while really delicious now, it should continue to improve over the next two to three years."
- Kerry Winslow
90 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"Alluring toast and woodsmoke nuances give a spicy edge to this full-bodied and richly flavored wine. The texture is broad and mouthfilling, layering grapey, jammy notes over mild tannins."
- Jim Gordon
