Petit Verdot is a variety of thick-skinned red wine grape that is primarily grown in the Bordeaux region, but has recently attracted wine makers from California, Australia, Washington State, and New Zealand. It ripens later than other varieties in the region, often; too late which is why it fell out of favor in Bordeaux. Upon ripening, Petit Verdot is added in small amounts to add tannin, color, and flavor. When grown in the New World, it tends to ripen more reliably and has been made into single varietal wines. When blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, it stiffens the mid palate. When young, Petit Verdot has banana and pencil shaving aromas with strong tones of violet and leather as it matures and develops. The mouth-gripping tannins are so powerful that they can often leave the palate with a strong puckering sensation. The aroma is equally strong encompassing leather, earth, and cigar box and smoke tones. On the palette, the taste is peppery with notes of spice, smoke, and minerals. Because of the high tannin levels, the wine requires long oak aging. This softens the final fruit sensation in Petit Verdot. Because of the levels of tannin in Petit Verdot, it has the potential to age for decades.
DAOU Vineyards Bodyguard Red is made from 65% Petit Verdot, 35% Petite Sirah.
The 2020 Bodyguard is the newest edition to this exceptional collection from winemaker Daniel Daou. Bold and brooding, it displays a vivid, deep purple hue accompanied by an intense nose of chocolate-covered blueberry, black raspberry, Zante currant, pencil lead and damp forest floor. Secondary layers reveal notes of kirsch, fennel, black olive and a hint of cool wintergreen. A lush palate of black plum, dried cherry and blackberry is supported by a firm structure with polished fine-grained tannins. Highlights of dusty leather, dried sage and truffle add layers of complexity that complement the rich, dark fruit. The finish strikes an impressive balance of power and grace, with lingering notes of currant, dark chocolate and crushed stone minerality that enhance the fullness of the experience.
Review:
Gimenez Mendez Alta Reserva Petit Verdot is made from 100% Petit Verdot.
The wine comes from Las Brujas vineyard located 35 km from the Río de la Plata. The breezes of the Atlantic Ocean refresh the vines permanently thanks to the flat topography of the South of Uruguay.
Intense purple in color, Alta Reserva Petit Verdot offers aromas of dried fruits, ripe plums, spicy notes of white pepper and vanilla. In the mouth it is powerful and refined, with elegant and firm tannins. It is a wine with great personality and expression of the Uruguayan climate and terroir.
Pairing:
Meat: Lamb stew, Lamb Chops, Lamb Kabobs, Roasted Pork, Barbecue Beef Short Ribs, Ground Beef Burgers, Iranian Beryooni, Mexican Adobo, Beef with Mole, Chinese Barbecue Pork
Vegetable: Portabello Mushroom, Black Lentils, Truffle, Black Beans, Kidney Beans, Hazelnut, Black Olives, Eggplant,
Pearmund Cellars Petit Verdot is made from 100 percent Petit Verdot.
Blackberry aromas with rich plum flavors. Well-rounded tannins and a smooth finish. Earthy, rustic, and warm. Limited production.
Siegel Single Vineyard Los Lingues Petit Verdot is made from 100 percent Petit Verdot.
The grapes were grown on the Los Linques "Reserve" hillside, blocks 23, 24 & 25. The wine offers elegant notes of tobacco, mocha and roasted coffee beans. It presents soft tannins, wine of great balance with a persistent and long finish.
Pairs with red meat, particularly lamb.
Harmonious Bordeaux-style blend with bold red fruit aromas of black cherry, currant, and blackberries. Balanced with subtle notes of cocoa and spice. Enjoy with soft cheeses, such as brie or goat. Terrific with lamb, aged beef, rustic stews, and mushrooms.
Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose NV is made Pinot Noir from 10 crus in the Montagne de Reims
The Cuvée Rosé from Laurent-Perrier is the most recognized rosé champagne in the world. The house uses its proprietary maceration technique and the wine is crafted for a fragrance and not mixed for a color. Held in an elegant bottle inspired by King Henri IV, it has been widely acknowledged for its consistent high quality for more than 40 years, and it is the benchmark for rosé champagne around the world.
Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé is truly remarkable for its highly expressive bouquet, stemming from very careful preservation of fresh fruit aromas during the wine making. Made with 100% Pinot Noir from 10 different "crus " (or villages), from the North and South areas of the Montagne de Reims, as well as the famous village of Bouzy. Grapes from carefully selected plots are meticulously sorted and de-stemmed before going into the vats, and the controlled maceration helps with the color extraction and the development of the full aromatic richness of the Pinot Noir.
Intensely fruity flavors, clean and slightly sharp, the wine opens to the sensation of freshly picked red berries: strawberries, Morello cherries, black currants and raspberries. The finish is supple and rounded.
Its aromatic depth makes it ideal for pairing with marinated raw fish, grilled prawns, exotic dishes, Parma ham and red fruit desserts. Those who are more daring will try it with Asian or Indian cuisine.
Review:
Generosity no less than grace defines this 100% Pinot Noir from ten different crus primarily in the Montagne de Reims. Slightly coppery salmon-pink in the glass, it displays a radiant nose of ripe red berries that pop against glimmers of spiced biscotti and roasted cashew. On a broad palate of pure silk, raspberry and black cherry are underlined by blood-orange rind and crushed rock before a long, almost voluptuous finish that's slightly savory with dried mint.
-Tasting Panel 97 Points
Pernot Belicard Meursault Vieille Vignes is made from 100 percent.
The wine is produced from old vines Chardonnay coming from a small parcel of 1.63 acres in the village of Meursault.
This wine offers stone fruit aromas on the nose combined with tropical fruit notes and a hint of toasted oak. The mouth is wide and rich. Complex and textured, bright acidity, a good tension that brings length and balance to the wine that finishes on mineral and citrus fruits.
Pair with Ham with Epoisse cream, Burgundy Snails, Pyrénées sheep’s milk cheese.