"Max Hauser" > wrote in message
...
> NB Another York Creek Petite Sirah, from Ridge Vineyards, was widely
bought
> in the 1978 vintage (many people probably still have some) and was prized
> for two things: flavor and opacity. Completely black.

In the early 70s, both Ridge and Freemark Abbey produced York Creek Petite
Syrahs. They were similar in inkiness and quality (very high).

Perhaps my favorite Petite Syrah _ever_ was the 1975 Carneros Creek. Huge
wine, absolutely _black_, with 15+% alcohol in *balance* with the fruit.
The finish was so long I can still taste it! I used a bottle of it to
marinade and cook a pot roast and to this day I've not made a better gravy.

The 1975 Mount Veeder Petite Syrah was a very close contender to the
Carneros Creek - but it was a bit more expensive.

Tom S