McManis Petite Sirah

McManis Petite Sirah is a full-bodied Lodi, California red wine blending Petite Sirah and Tannat, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2023 vintage earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast, reinforcing this label's reputation as one of Lodi's most reliable over-deliverers at its price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Lodi, California, USA  |  Blend: 76% Petite Sirah, 24% Tannat  |  Producer: McManis Family Vineyards

Production & Heritage

McManis Family Vineyards operates out of Ripon, California, sourcing the majority of fruit for this bottling from sustainable vineyards across Lodi — a region increasingly recognized for producing concentrated, warm-climate reds at accessible prices. Grapes are typically harvested in early-to-mid October at an average of 25.2 Brix, then fermented on the skins for six to nine days before finishing fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine then ages for seven months in a combination of new and used French and American oak barrels, adding structure and spice without overwhelming the fruit. The inclusion of 24% Tannat in the blend distinguishes this from many single-varietal Petite Sirahs, contributing additional tannin backbone and color depth.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Deep, saturated purple in the glass, the nose opens with opulent dark berries — boysenberry and olallieberry — before moving into baking spices and orange marmalade. A smoky caramel undertone develops as the wine opens up.

Taste: The entry is immediately juicy, with rich black fruit flooding the palate. Mid-palate, mocha and malted chocolate notes take hold, layered over toffee and dried potpourri. Supple tannins frame the wine without harshness, and the Tannat component adds a firm, gripping structure that keeps the sweetness of the fruit in check.

Finish: Medium to long, with dark fruit and smoky caramel lingering on the back end. The oak influence shows as a gentle vanilla warmth rather than overt woodiness, and the tannins resolve cleanly.

How to Drink McManis Petite Sirah

Pour it into a large-bowled red wine glass and let it breathe for 15 to 20 minutes; the mocha and berry layers open up considerably with a little air. Slightly below room temperature — around 62–65°F — brings out the best balance between fruit and tannin.

For cocktails and wine-based drinks, this Petite Sirah's bold structure makes it a surprisingly versatile base. A Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice) works here because the wine's dark fruit and toffee notes complement the cola's caramel sweetness. A Red Wine Sangria loaded with blackberries, orange slices, and a splash of brandy lets the existing berry and marmalade character shine. A Mulled Wine preparation benefits from the wine's baking spice notes, which harmonize naturally with cinnamon and clove.

Best For

• Weeknight steak dinners where you want a serious red without a serious price tag
• Introducing someone to bold, full-bodied California reds
• Fall and winter gatherings centered around grilled or braised meats
• Building a value-focused Lodi wine collection

Frequently Asked Questions

What does McManis Petite Sirah taste like? It delivers rich, concentrated dark berry fruit — boysenberry, blackberry — layered with mocha, toffee, and baking spices. The mouthfeel is full and juicy with supple tannins and a smoky caramel finish.

How does McManis Petite Sirah compare to Bogle Petite Sirah? Both are Lodi-sourced, value-driven Petite Sirahs, but McManis incorporates 24% Tannat into the blend, which adds extra tannin grip and color intensity that Bogle's 100% varietal bottling does not have. McManis also tends to show more pronounced mocha and caramel oak notes from its seven-month French and American oak aging program.

Is McManis Petite Sirah good for beginners? Yes — its fruit-forward profile and soft tannins make it approachable for drinkers new to full-bodied reds, while the Tannat blending and oak aging give it enough complexity to hold the interest of more experienced wine drinkers.

Where is McManis Petite Sirah made? McManis Family Vineyards is based in Ripon, California, and sources the majority of fruit for this wine from sustainable vineyards in the Lodi appellation of the Central Valley.

What foods pair well with McManis Petite Sirah? Grilled tri-tip steak, where the char complements the smoky fruit. Braised short ribs, whose richness matches the wine's full body. Dark chocolate desserts, which echo the mocha and toffee notes. Smoked sausages or barbecue ribs benefit from the wine's tannic structure cutting through fat. Aged cheddar or Gouda provide a savory counterpoint to the berry-forward palate.

What sizes does McManis Petite Sirah come in? McManis Petite Sirah is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is McManis Petite Sirah worth the price? This wine positions firmly in the value tier for California Petite Sirah and consistently punches above its weight — the 91-point score from Wine Enthusiast and repeated Gold medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition confirm it delivers quality well beyond what the price suggests.

Why McManis Petite Sirah?

The 91-point score from Wine Enthusiast on the 2023 vintage and Gold medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition for the 2018 and 2019 vintages establish a track record of consistency that many wines at this price point simply cannot match. The unconventional decision to blend 24% Tannat into a Petite Sirah creates a wine with noticeably more tannic architecture and color saturation than most competitors in this segment. Seven months of combined French and American oak aging adds a polished mocha-and-vanilla dimension without burying the fruit. For anyone looking for a dark, dense, full-bodied California red that delivers real complexity at an entry-level price, this bottling makes a compelling case vintage after vintage.