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.
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.
Buccella Cuvee Katrina Eileen Napa Valley is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Named after our first-born daughter, Cuvée Katrina Eileen is primarily composed of fruit from a vineyard in the Western Hills of Yountville, where yields are miniscule. The extremely rocky soil of the vineyard produces concentrated clusters of perfectly ripened Cabernet Sauvignon. In German, the name “Katrina” represents purity and fittingly, this wine is made entirely from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, providing a pure expression of this decadent varietal. It also reflects our daughter’s personality with flavors that are complex, unreserved and expressive.
Always a 100% Cabernet blend, our 2017 Cuvée Katrina Eileen is an opulent and mouth-enriching wine. Captivated by the inky-black color, luscious scents of dark espresso and cinnamon stick leap out, along with powerful elements of graphite and cassis. Remarkably rich and seamless, while boasting flavors of blueberry compote, dark chocolate and black raspberries, this is a compelling and luxurious wine focused upon velvety texture, silky tannins and incredible length. An intentional breadth on the palate and length in the finish are hallmarks of this wine.
Baron Ermengaud Faugeres Rouge is made from 80% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 5%, Mourvèdre and 5% Carignan.
The Baron Ermengaud cuvée is named after the lord Ermengaud de Fouzilhon. In the 12 century, the Lord gave land, which was located in Laurens Village, to monks, who built a monastic barn. The monks (Benedictine and then Cistercian) used to cultivate the vineyards, using techniques that were quite wise and modern at the time. The people of Laurens enjoyed and benefited from learning their methods.
This Faugeres is dark red with shades of black cherry. A large complexity of aromas allows us to savor a mix of sun fruits and spices. This powerful and full-bodied wine, with a deep consistency, offers an intensity of ripe fruits. It has a long, rich palate on velvety tannins with raised hints of pepper.
Pairs with roast saddle of lamb with juniper berries; peppered venison with pears.