As we all know, petit verdot was born playing a subordinate role as a blending grape in left bank Bordeaux style blends. In recent years petit verdot has become very popular in Virginia as its thick-skins, loose cluster, and disease resistance have made it a good grape to grow in this environment. This 2019 is lovely, with a nose of fragrant briar fruits, lavender, and garden herbs. The palate shows an exuberant freshness with lively fruit, incredible balance, smooth tannins, and a touch of fresh acidity. The fruit elements are nicely encapsulated within some cocoa and vanilla, along with some herbal tones and hazelnut. Additionally, there is just a slight presence of some spice and floral aspects which give way to a gentle forest floor. The oak is very well integrated into the wine, with some rich tannins that are not overpowering, providing a long, graceful finish. Due to the of this wine, foods with plenty of weight, protein, and fat are great partners. Grilled and roasted red meat, well-aged cheese (like Stilton), or wild game. Barbecue, beef stew, roasted rack of lamb, and game birds all stand up well to the richness of this wine.

94% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
18 months in 100% French Oak (43% new, 14% twice-filled, 43% neutral)