We grow this rather rare varietal for blending in our "Estate Cabernet." Petit Verdot is used in small quanitities in many, perhaps most, great Bordeauxs. Some years ago, when we planted a few acres at about 1800 on our Napa side, I told Ed Ewing, our vineyard manager: "When the winemakers find out we have 'mountain' Petit Verdot you will need a shotgun to keep them away." This is a variety which most people have heard of, but hardly anyone knows in its pure form. That is why we decided to bottle just a few cases of 100% Petit Verdot each year, so you can form your own knowledgeable answer to the common question "why do so many great Bordeauxs have a tiny bit of Petit Verdot in the blend?" The first thing you will notice is the color, it is as black as the ace of spades. Then you will notice that it has a curious and subtle spiceness. Perfect for blending? You decide.
Current Vintage
2001 PETIT VERDOT
This wine has taught us an interesting lesson, Petit Verdot ages well in the bottle. We have a little bit of this wine left and will release the next vintage (2003) when this is all gone. In the barrel this wine had rich tannins which have mellowed nicely in the bottle.
(93 cases bottled, aged in French oak barrels, 40% new)
Price List:
$30.00: 750ml
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