Petit Verdot is one of the five grapes of Bordeaux, although very few plantings remain in Bordeaux, and it is never made into a varietal wine there, both because of its difficulty ripening in Bordeaux’s cool climate, and because essentially all red wines are blended in Bordeaux. However, Petit Verdot does well in California’s warmer climate, especially in Napa, and while its main use is still on Bordeaux-style red blends, it is increasingly being bottled on its own. The resulting wines certainly share some characteristics with Cabernet based wines, but typically with more body and tannin, and with some interesting flavors unique to PV. Today’s offering, the 2012 from Owl Ridge is a wonderful example of this, and the price makes it a can’t miss.
The 2012 Owl Ridge Napa Valley Petit Verdot is deeply saturated purple in color, with explosive aromas of cassis, plum, blackberry, and violets. The palate shows more blackberry, joined by tobacco, leather and spice. In some ways very Cabernet-like, this wine reveals its difference on the palate, with chewy tannin and a lingering impression of juicy dark fruit. Rich in style, yet with acid and tannin to balance things out, this is wine that manages to be powerful without being overblown. Sure to delight Cabernet fans, at just $22 for a wine of this quality from Napa Valley, this is one to stock up on!
Winemaker: Joseph C. Otos
Varietal: Petit Verdot
AVA: St. Helena, Napa Valley
Alcohol: 14.4%
Total Cases Made: 190 750ml
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
91 Points
Shimmering ruby-purple hue. The nose is a walk through a damp Sonoma forest—mossy bark and wild earth—brightened by high-toned notes of cranberry sauce and blood orange. On the palate, it's generously long in the mouth, with good concentration. It's a masterclass in tension: intense, cherry and red current fruit meets dark spice and fine, sandy tannins.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
