Love hearty wines that stain your teeth? Intensely concentrated Petite Sirah, which pairs perfectly to portabella mushrooms, hearty barbeque fare and dense chocolate, produces one of the smallest grape berries grown.

The 2003 Earthquake Petite Sirah ($28) from Michael David Vineyards was the Red Sweepstake winner at the 2005 Chronicle Wine Competition. Up front blueberry syrup, black cherry and coffee flavors shake up the senses, with brawny aftershocks of complexity rolling down the throat. Philips Farms is also home to a café and farmer’s market; the wine is available for tasting 8-5 every day!

Fans of Livermore wines have long known about the awesome fruit from Lodi. The 2000 Lodi Petite Sirah ($16.50) from Eckert Estate Winery proved that point at last year’s California State Fair, scoring Gold Medal and Best in Class. $16.50 a bottle.

Michael David Vineyards, www.lodivineyards.com, 1-888-707-WINE.
Eckert Estate Winery, www.eckertestate.com, (925) 371-8606.