Dear Fellow Lovers, and Extremely Passionate Followers and Disciples of Petite Sirah!

You know who you are; some of you admit to it, some of you feel a touch shy to be routing for the underdog grape. Well, as your new Prez, I welcome you to the House of Pets, where all are welcomed with open arms, no matter how many Cabernets and Chardonnays you’ve consumed in the past. We’re not here to judge, but to encourage you on your way to recovery. We have counselors on hand with corkscrew and glass, to make you feel at home and ready to partake in the black elixir we love to call the Big Bad Boy. So, without further adieu, Welcome to Club PS I Love You.

In all Seriousness, I’m very excited to take over the reigns of PS I Love You, and hope that as an organization we’re able to take Petite Sirah to the next level, be that in a better understanding that Petite of today is not your Daddy’s Petite. Today’s Petite Sirah are just as big and bold, but the tannins are in check, they are lusher and actually have a level of finesse (yes, I said finesse) not seen, until recent years.  This, I feel, has not only allowed us to be viewed by a larger market, that’s looking for the biggest bang for their money; but also, by those who want to have a wine that has complexities and intensities that comes from the noblest of grapes. This leads me to my thoughts for the future.

As this organization has grown and become a more of a force in the industry, we’ve seen both an increase in attendance at our functions and by wine writers really taking notice of our growth and the ever-changing philosophy of what Petite Sirah is. I pledge to keep the steamship running. 

As I’ve observed the Symposium grow each year, I’ve also put much thought into what each winery and grower is really looking for in each of our guest speakers and how the panel discussions have worked. They’ve been quite effective, but I would like to see us focus on a flavor and texture profile seminar. In these sessions, winemakers with their growers will discuss their vineyards, and how the growers work together with the winemakers to produce theses wines. (Everybody has a great story to tell). These sessions, I feel, will be both eye-opening and bringing out more of the personalities of the membership. I’d also like to hear more from those who have been producing Pets the longest. Their voice needs to be heard. Their spirit is what leads me to produce Petite, and I feel this is why many others do, also.

The Masters of Petite Sirah should prove to be a dynamic event. I wish I had saved some more of my older vintages so I too could pour them; however, my wife’s a CPA, and feels that we need to share them with the rest of the world now – or, in other words, Cash Flow is King. I look forward to the camaraderie and wine tasting experience this event will provide.

Dark and Delicious: Last years event (at Rosenblum Cellars) was so outstanding and fantastically produced, I’m not sure how it can be topped; although, the folks at Concannon Vineyard, who are holding the event this year, tell me the best is yet to come!

As soon as harvest is over and my trip to Cabo (a winemaker must do what a winemaker must do), I’ll be getting together with the board of directors to review the future, and create a game plan that should prove to be fruitful and intense as a ½ ton bin of Petite Sirah!

All the best,

Jeff Cohn
President of PS I Love You, 2007-2008