Three Petite Sirah 2009

By Chris and Sherry Hardie

There’s one sure way of determining whether the wine you are drinking is petite sirah. Drink a glass, go to the mirror and stick out your tongue.

That purple color on your tongue is a temporary tattoo that comes from drinking this inky dark wine, which continues to grow in popularity.

Three Wine Co. is a new winery that sources its grapes from California’s Contra Costa County’s sandy-loam soil, where the yields are lower but the fruit flavors are intense.

There are many layers to this wine, a hefty 15.1 percent alcohol pour that shows plush dark fruit and berry flavors layered in firm tannins. This would be an excellent choice for additional aging.

Sherry: “Dry with black cherry, cassis and raspberry with a tart finish.” 3-1/2 stars

Chris: “Flavors of blueberry and raspberry with firm but tamed tannins.” 3-1/2 stars

Available locally for about $16.

Coming next week: Schmitt Söhne Riesling Kabinett