Duane was lucky enough to have the chance to get a few tons of fruit from Melvin Cooke’s old head-trained vineyard on HWY 29 between St. Helena and Calistoga. The vines have beautiful red leaves and small crops of deep dark berries. The wine was made utilizing the same techniques as Duane utilizes with his Zinfandels: gentle handling to preserve the fruit and spice. Even with this handling, Petite Sirah produces a wine that is very dark and has some big tannins. No one is really sure who named this varietal Petite Sirah because it is anything but petite.

Tasting notes from Proprietor & Winemaker Duane Dappen: "The D-Cubed Cellars 2005 Petite Sirah has dark spicy black cherry fruit with medium body and full rich round tannins. The tannins smooth out to a long dark cherry finish."

Varietal Blend: 83% Petite Sirah, 17% Zinfandel

Total Production: 151 Cases

Aging Potential: 6-10 years