Why We Love This Wine:
The unique brand is a partnership founded on decades of experience in our country’s food and wine culture. Founding Vintner Stephanie Douglas and Co-Proprietors, John and Mickey Chohany established Aratas Wine in the Napa Valley in 2008. They have a committed focus on Petite Sirah but produce other wines which reflects single vineyard sites from diverse AVAs in the valley. About that name… Aratas, by definition means a “harvest of gold” and was chosen to honor the Chohany’s Hungarian heritage.
The single vineyard “Shake Ridge Ranch” Petite Sirah is grown on the high ridge lands of the Sierra Foothills. Shake Ridge Ranch is Amador County’s most sought after vineyard; planted to vine between 1800-2100′ elevation in ancient volcanic and granitic soils. 100% Petite Sirah.
Sommelier Tasting Notes:
Rich and structured, this wine has expressive aromas of current, blackberry, Aleppo and black pepper., braised pork and a hint of aromatic sweetness of roast duckling and cigar box. The juicy nature on the palate is reminiscent of a baked rhubarb pie and sun ripened raspberries plucked from the vine in the heat of summer. Subtle spice notes of cardamom, red licorice and sandalwood linger on the finish.