Wine Spectator, posted: October 28, 2009
Score: 87 | $14
"Appealing for its bright and juicy red and black fruit flavors, with a smooth texture and vivid spice, cola and toast details. Gains some tannic traction on the finish. Drink now through 2016. 8,000 cases made."
—M.W.
"Once a month, a group of my girlfriends get together for dinner, wine and catching up. This time around, it was over a big pizza, and we had a big wine to match.
A lot of people look to hearty reds when it comes to pizza: Zinfandel, Sangiovese or Barbera, for example. I chose the Vinum Petite Sirah Clarksburg PETS 2007 ($14). Petite Sirahs have a reputation as chewy, brawny and tannic monsters. But not all are like that; I’ve had previous vintages of the Vinum PETS and have liked its spicy, juicy style and the balance of big, ripe fruit flavors with smooth tannins. The 2007 was terrific with the slice (OK, two) of pepperoni I had. I rated it 87 points, non-blind.
Petite Sirah goes by many names. In addition to its true identity as the French grape Durif, I’ve heard it referred to it as “Petty Sarah” and “Pets,” which is where this wine gets its name. In a nod to this alias, a portion of the sales of the Vinum PETS goes to an animal shelter fund." — M.W.

2006
Wine Spectator, posted: Monday, June 22, 2009
Score: 88 | $14
"A tasty concoction of ripe blackberry, boysenberry and cassis flavors that are ripe and juicy, with thick tannins, wonderful spicy notes and a hint of fresh cracked black pepper. Drink now through 2014. 8,000 cases made." —M.W.

Food & Wine Magazine,  April 2008
67 Best American Wines $15 & Under
"Vinum Cellars makes a number of appealing wines, including their fanciful CNW—“Chard No Way”—white blend, but the top value in its broad portfolio is this juicy, zesty, boysenberry-inflected red, made with grapes grown in California’s Clarksburg region."

2005
Food & Wine Magazine,  April 2007
50 Wines You Can Trust
"… [A] juicy, smoky classic of the form”.