2016 Petit Verdot, McClellan Estate Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley

Each year we bottle small amounts of traditional Bordeaux “blending” varietals on their own. To be selected for a single varietal bottling the wine must not only be excellent, but also show the typicity and character of the particular grape varietal. Petit Verdot is known for its structure, with bold tannin, bright acidity, dark fruit, and savory undernotes. We have grown Petit Verdot at our McClellan Estate Vineyard since 2003, and have used it as a blending varietal in Pentad (our top cuvee) and other wines since 2001.

The wine is an opaque dark red color. The nose reveals aromas of rose petal, coffee bean and blackberry. The palate is full and powerful with notable tannin, concentrated black fruits, firm acid structure, and an enticing savory character. The wine has enough fruit and creamy mid-palate to match the substantial structure for early drinking, though it will improve in the cellar for an additional 5-8 years from vintage.