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
96 Points
Bold and luxurious with inviting aromas of blackberry, black cherry, tobacco, notes of cedar and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather.
