The super-rich Petite Sirah (also known as “Durif”) has been widely respected in California dating back to the 1800’s. The variety contributed importantly to our state’s evolution in creating great wines and was often the favored choice of many home winemakers. The term “petasarah” grew to life, with the wine rich in substance – mouth-filling, opaquely darkm and retaining significant bitterness. With this important memory of yesteryear in mind, Grand Durif is an updated version – a round, eminently rich and fruit-driven table wine without the customary bitterness. The harvesting of our grapes takes place late in the growing season and is the center point of this wine’s ripe style. The little-known but exceptional Suisun Valley is the grape source. Dry farmed young vines are highly responsible for Grand Durif, as well as Caymus fermentation techniques and barrel aging in French oak. The sum of these practices produces a newly fashioned “petasarah.”

Only a 30-minute drive southeast of Napa, Suisun Valley (which became an AVA in 1982) is still largely undiscovered. With its warm days and cool nights, this pastoral region with multi-generational family farmers reminds us of Napa Valley in the 1960s. Known for delicious stone fruits and walnuts, it is also gaining recognition for exceptional wine. Durif is synonymous with Petite Sirah, the widely grown grape in the region – we added “Grand” to the name for its grand style. With harmonious tannins, this wine is opulent, luxuriously soft and totally enjoyable.