Calif., Russian River Valley, Foppiano, Estate Bottled Petite Sirah 2005
Opened two full hours before dinner. First taste was sharp to make me wince, but finished sweet. After an hour, medium tannins, nice pepper. With dinner, delicious. Dark, inky color, mellow, smooth tannins, blackberry and something that's often called cassis, though I don't think I ever met a cassis, but tart like that term usually describes.
This was before Foppiano went through their bad years. They seem to be getting it back together again.
14.5% alcohol Bought at the winery for $18 in April '09