SCORES AND AWARDS

96 POINTS - GRAPELIVE.COM

Theodora Lee’s latest Theopolis Vineyards Estate Petite Sirah is out of this world, already a favorite of mine, this inky purple/black 2021 version is on another level with gorgeous depth of black fruits, wild spice, opulent body and savory complexity, making it one of California’s best and most distinctive Petite Sirahs. There’s a heady array of aromatics and flavors that rush at you from the glass with peppered violets, subtle oak toast, blueberry pie and a touch of meaty goodness that leads to well proportioned and youthfully exciting palate of crushed blackberry, damson plum, dark currants, chocolate covered cherry fruits, as well as sandalwood, anise, dried lavender, bacon, peppercorns, graphite and delicate vanilla cream. The tannins play a critical role here and while firm and dry, they are well integrated and almost velvety plush and the cool vintage allowed for incredible ripening, the alcohol is moderate, making for seriously powerful wine, but with exquisite balance and stunning length. The Theopolis Petite Sirah, a true terroir driven wine, again has a thrill ride for the senses and an almost Northern Rhône quality from the mountain fruit, schist like soils and terraces vines, absolutely exceptional. I was completely seduced by this exotic 2021 Petite Sirah, and I recommend decanting and having it with a robust meal, Theodora suggests smoked brisket, BBQ ribs and wild game dishes, all of which, along with lamb, sound great to pair with this one.

95 POINTS - vinous

Hailing from the Theopolis Estate Vineyard in the Yorkville Highlands of Mendocino County, the 2021 Petite Sirah Estate Grown is surely one of the most distinctive Petite Sirahs being produced in California, and probably the world, for that matter. It was fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged in 29% new French oak for 22 months, yielding a virile, powerful red that cascades out of the glass with epically dark, inky, juicy blue/purple fruit and peppery spices. Textbook chalky Petite tannins are reined in with a deft hand but will still need time to cool their jets. The long, layered finish is a thing of beauty. Delicious. Theodora Lee clearly knows what she’s doing here.

— Billy Norris

92 POINTS - WINE ENTHUSIAST

This wine is rich and concentrated, with aromas of blackberry, cassis, violet, allspice and bittersweet chocolate. The midpalate has flavors of blueberry jam, dried baking spices, vanilla bean and toasted walnut. Layers of black currant, sandalwood, rock and minerality bring everything together. Pair with grilled ahi tuna.

— Tonya Pitts