Open Mike: Petit Verdot!

I made a comment that I have tasted some great Petit Verdot dominated blends and monovarietal wines lately, so it was suggested we try an Opn Mike!

Rather than repeat my tasting note, I will refer to the note from one of my favorite Bay Area wines shops, Arlequin in Hayes Valley near the San Francisco City Hall:

Chateau Bolaire, Bordeaux Superior, France 2004
A tiny 11.6 acre vineyard boasting 44 year old vines, Chateau Bolaire is nestled right against the hallowed Margaux appellation. Producing a classic Bordeaux blend, Chateau Bolaire takes its name from an old French adjective used to describe reddish, finely grained, clay soils—conditions that continue to produce unique wines. Steeped in tradition, the winemakers at Bolaire insist on harvesting and sorting the grapes by hand, though they now utilize the best of modern wine technology, fermenting in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks. A stunning sleeper of the vintage, this blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot shows an inky bluish purple and offers sweet aromas of blueberry, cherry, and licorice, medium to full body, an excellent texture, and sweet tannin. It is an intriguing effort that should age nicely for a decade, and forms a legendary pairing with venison or pheasant.

In the cue for the coming weekend, I will try a Hess Collection Petit Verdot and a Susiun Valley wine made from old vine PV!

Good move Brian. Need some motivation after all the fizz festivities!
I think there is a Pirramimma and De Bortoli in the cellar here so am in. I believe there is a TN on cellar-tracker about a PV from Virginia? Perhaps one of the east coast guys can track one down for us eh.
You probably have Tim searching the Belgium stores already! I think PV is also grown in Rogov`s area, maybe he can contribute?
Sandhill in BC also makes one but might be hard to track down. All their wines are top notch.

Could be a fun thread.

My Virginia thought prompted me to look around so I found this...>

http://vinespot.blogspot.com/2009/06/pe ... thing.html


Here is a "bruiser" TN I posted here two yrs ago...>

WTN: `98 Petit Verdot Pirramimma-McLaren Vale.

Here is one big monster, two glasses and in bed by 9.30pm!! 13.5% alc, crumbly cork, opened one hour and decanted. This winery appears to excel with this varietal.

Colour. Dark garnet,big black centre, watery rim w. little sign of age!

Nose. Cigar box, earthy, smoke, blackberry. Dried fruit aromas prevail after 2 hrs in the decanter. No customary violets!

Palate. Initial thought is this has lasted well, big, intense, meaty, earthy, low tannin. Can see why they use this to blend into claret!!
Hint of chocolate as it airs, cinnamom, blackcurrant, licorice. Not volutile or acidic, has plenty of sediment. The aftertaste has a savoury tone I cannot figure, quite a bruiser still. Will be interesting to taste again when I have recovered!! Thank goodness, I have a quiet Alsace tasting later today.

Sounds delicious, Bob!

In Israel, a variety planted by most wineries these days but that only in small quantities and most often destined, as it is in Bordeaux, for blending with other noble varieties to add acidity and balance. Capable on its own of producing a long-lived and tannic wine when ripe but varietal wines so far produced entirely by boutique wineries within the country, several of which have succeeded admirably and others not at all that admirably.

To give an overall picture of what is happening to Petit Verdot as a varietal wine, my tasting notes follow for recent releases or barrel tastings. Most successful wines to date from the variety are from Yatir, Pelter and Ben Hanna

Best
Rogov


Alon, Petit Verdot, 2006: Dark garnet, medium-bodied, with good varietal character showing cassis, tobacco and herbal notes. Not complex but fresh and crisp. Drink now. Score 84.

Bar Giora, Petit Verdot, 2007: Developed for 18 months in 2nd year barrels together with oak chips. Medium-dark garnet, medium-bodied, with soft tannins parting to reveal ripe currant and blueberry fruits, those overlaid with notes of sage and white pepper. Appealing even though it finishes rather short. Drink now or in the next year or so. Score 86.

Ben Hanna, Petit Verdot, 2006: Deep garnet toward royal purple, this full-bodied, oak-aged red shows plush and supple, with currant, blackberry, cola, vanilla and black pepper aromas and flavors, those in fine balance with spicy wood and nicely integrating tannins, all leading to a near-sweet finish. Drink now–2013. Score 91.

Ben Hanna, Petit Verdot, La Mariée, 2005: Reflecting 12 months in French oak with gently mouth-coating tannins and hints of spices and vanilla, this medium- to full-bodied wine shows ripe, rich and supple. Dark purple, with generous cherry and currant fruits and, on the long finish, a tantalizing hint of green olives. Drink now–2011. Score 90.

Kahanov, Petit Verdot, 2005: Full-bodied, with generous spicy wood and firm tannins and alcohol hanging on as if they do not want to yield. Some good black cherry fruits here, but that overpowered by gamey and tobacco notes.. Drink up. Score 77.

Katlav, Petit Verdot, 2007: Dark garnet in color, full-bodied, with tannins as intense as the acidity and fruits. Opens slowly to reveal blackcurrants, blackberries and black cherries, those complemented nicely by mocha and spicy oak notes. Potentially the best yet from the winery. Drink now. Score 88. K

Na'aman, Petit Verdot, 2007: Dark garnet, with a light herbal nose and still gripping tannins and generous spicy wood that need some time to settle in. Opens in the glass to reveal red and black berries, cassis and notes of bitter-sweet chocolate on a light earthy background. A country-style wine in a most pleasant fashion Drink now. Score 88.

Pelter, Petit Verdot, T-Selection, 2006: A luxurious wine, deeply concentrated, thick, tannic and complex, showing wild berries, cassis, blackberry and pomegranate fruits, those complemented nicely by notes of cola and ginger, all with a light and tantalizing bitter citrus peel note that runs through to the super-long finish. Unique, expressive and cellar-worthy. Approachable and enjoyable now but best 2011–2017. Score 93.

Ramot Naftaly, Petit Verdot, 2008 Barrel Tasting: Deep purple in color, medium-bodied, with softly caressing tannins, showing both red and black berries, those on a background of toasty oak. Lively but not exaggerated acidity and notes of spices with fruits and tannins rising on the long finish. Drink from release-2013, perhaps longer. Tentative Score 88-90.
Srigim, Petit Verdot, 2006: A blend of 85% Petit Verdot with 7.5% each of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark, bold and tannic, with aromas and flavors of blackberries, licorice and sweet cedar, all on a background of dusty wood. Drink now. Score 86.

Teperberg, Petit Verdot, Terra, 2007: Medium-bodied with spicy overtones and soft tannins. A supple, almost velvety wine with currant, tobacco and floral aromas and flavors, with both tannins and fruits rising comfortably on the finish. Drink now. Score 87. K

Yatir, Petit Verdot, 2007 (Barrel Tasting): Inky dark and dense in color, with firm, still gripping tannins that need nothing more than time to show the wine’s elegance. On the nose and palate a generous array of black cherries, red and blackcurrants along with notes of mint, chocolate and tar, all coming together in a long and generous finish. Drink from release–2014. Tentative Score 89–91. K

Yatir, Petit Verdot, 2006: Deep purple, a powerful wine with intense tannins, concentration and complexity. On the nose and palate layers of plum, blackberry, pomegranate, coffee and earth, those already showing hints of smoky oak. An outstanding example of a variety that is not often bottled on its own. Drink now–2013. Score 92. K

Don't believe I've ever seen a 100% Petit Verdot. Wouldn't mind trying one. I do know that I am anxious to try one of the 2001 Pichon Lalandes that are resting in my cellar. Parker wrote that the wine contains a "whopping 14% Petit Verdot" and "exhibits plenty of structure..." which I suppose is part of the PV's contribution.

Wow, great notes/insight from Daniel. I had read somewhere his TNs relating to PV. Excellent!

chateau tour de gilet is a bordeaux that is 100% petit verdot. not too much oak so the variety shows through. i'll have to dig up my notes somewhere. i liked it quite a bit and bought some which is resting with the other '05's.

WTN: `06 De Bortoli Vat 4 Petit Verdot, SE Australia.

Local wine bar pouring right now, along with the Durif!

Color is quite dark with purple edges on rim. Nose appeals with black fruits, coffee, hint of oak spice. "Licorice" from fellow taster was spot on after reflection.
Palate has a lot going on, as do most of Bortolis wines. Sweet plum, blackberry initially. Some spice from the oak, well balanced, easy to drink, nice balance, fair grip.Shouts of "cherry....lead pencil(??)". Supple tannins, thought I might find some meatyness but alas.
DeVines has the Pirramimma, will ask if they can open a bottle for the tasting bar!

...I do know that I am anxious to try one of the 2001 Pichon Lalandes that are resting in my cellar. Parker wrote that the wine contains a "whopping 14% Petit Verdot" and "exhibits plenty of structure..." which I suppose is part of the PV's contribution.

The grand vin of Château Siran (Margaux) generally has a higher than usual % of merlot* (for the Margaux appellation) and PV (sometimes up to 15% PV) which, according to the owners, lends good structure and a distinctive spiciness. I've tried some back to '28, '48 and '53 (ex-château) and have been very impressed with their ageing capabilities.

By the way, I've tasted the 2001 Pichon Lalande a few times, the last time being almost exactly a year ago - a bottle shared with my wife and 2 friends. Interesting to try, but I'd say just let it rest up for, say 2-3 more years before trying it for enjoyment. Curiosity's sake, however, is an entirely different matter.

*Pichon Lalande also uses more merlot than normal for Pauillac. Pichon Lalande before it was sold a few years ago, was owned by the sister of the current owner of Siran.

Petit verdot ripens well on Spain's sun-drenched high plateaus. Several petit verdot varietals are made here - perhaps the best such varietals in the world. Particularly Abadía Retuerta PV near the Ribera del Duero and Dominio de Valdepusa Petit Verdot in Castile-La Mancha.

[Jenise]

bump

OK. Got around to opening one of my (few) Petit Verdots...and it followed the weekend trend of mediocrity, sadly.

2004 Hess Collection Small Block Petit Verdot Mount Veeder. There is absolutely nothing "wrong" with their wines, but they just kinda sit there, a little boring . This Petit Verdot bottling was not bad in any way, but it tasted like generic fruity Napa red wine. Red fruit, balanced oak (thank goodness for that), alcohol not obtrusive. Just meh. Would be an ok $9.99 daily drinker...but???

I wonder if Heitz sold out of their '06 PV...because that was much nicer!

...I do know that I am anxious to try one of the 2001 Pichon Lalandes that are resting in my cellar. Parker wrote that the wine contains a "whopping 14% Petit Verdot" and "exhibits plenty of structure..." which I suppose is part of the PV's contribution.

The grand vin of Château Siran (Margaux) generally has a higher than usual % of merlot* (for the Margaux appellation) and PV (sometimes up to 15% PV) which, according to the owners, lends good structure and a distinctive spiciness. I've tried some back to '28, '48 and '53 (ex-château) and have been very impressed with their ageing capabilities.

By the way, I've tasted the 2001 Pichon Lalande a few times, the last time being almost exactly a year ago - a bottle shared with my wife and 2 friends. Interesting to try, but I'd say just let it rest up for, say 2-3 more years before trying it for enjoyment. Curiosity's sake, however, is an entirely different matter.

*Pichon Lalande also uses more merlot than normal for Pauillac. Pichon Lalande before it was sold a few years ago, was owned by the sister of the current owner of Siran.

Appreciate that feedback Noel. Amazing how time flys and wine accumulates in the cellar! I have a pretty big cellar of about 1,500 or so bottles which looks bigger and bigger the older I get! So I'm going to take your advice and let these sleep for 3 more years while I work on bottles in more urgent need of drinking, and try to control the urge to buy more wine!

So I'm going to take your advice and let these sleep for 3 more years while I work on bottles in more urgent need of drinking, and try to control the urge to buy more wine!

I have tried that, did not work!

So I'm going to take your advice and let these sleep for 3 more years while I work on bottles in more urgent need of drinking, and try to control the urge to buy more wine!

I have tried that, did not work!

I'm trying that all the time but the trouble about stopping buying wine is that one is deprived of delicious youngsters; both those which are best in their youth, e.g. Beuajolais, Dolcetto, and also those which show intriguingly different facets during ageing.. Additionally curiosity about the new vintage is no longer satisfied.

BTW, I've only been able to locate one wine in the Brussels area with a significant amount of PV, Cullen Wines Malbec/Petit Verdot 2004 (€23); next time I'm in Brussels I'll get a bottle. Two PV's at the adventurous importer in St.Truiden, a round trip of some 160km.

Plus if we stop buying, in-house probation officer will get itchy!

Tim, how about Strangs new book??

Tim, how about Strangs new book??

Bob, I posted a review on Amazon's UK site http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews ... ewpoints=1 . My minor criticisms are similar to those of others in the other place.

OK Tim. Seems like a good write-up to me, the maps are not too good, that`s for sure.
Look forward to more PV notes from you.

When I took out this bottle of Quintessence du Château Sipian VV cru bougeois Médoc 2000 - Alc.12.5% - to accompany a steak this evening (and indeed until looking up the wine just now), I had no idea that its varietal composition was Petit Verdot 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon 25% and Merlot 25%.

I would never have bought this bottle myself because the back label vaunting 18 months in new barrels and the "prestige" weight of the bottle would have put me off, even without tasting what would have been horribly oaky in its youth. It was received as a thank-you gift after Germaine nearly ended up in hospital when a friend's horse, which she was helping to transport, bolted when getting out of the van. Thank you, Patricia, for what turned out to be a very interesting wine. Here's what it was like -

C: Deep red and quite youthful looking.
N: Sniffing the bottle's neck "Ouch! A vanilla monster". But in the glass after decanting the vanilla receded into a pretty patina polishing the strong black currant aromas with a hint of raspberry and an edge of attractive varnish (some VA?).
P: Full/medium bodied with again lots of sweet black currant vanilla laced fruit balanced by marked but appealingly varnish-like acidity, quite silky feel and decent length; easy but interesting drinking 15.5/20.

I would never have guessed this as Médoc and, before looking it up, amused myself imagining how I would place it - "too acidic and insufficiently alcoholic for Chile or California, etc....." Now I know about the 50% of Petit Verdot, my bewilderment is perhaps explained.

Amazing which wines the in-house probation officers comes up with!

Quite a few 100% petits verdots in Spain these days; even a Petit Verdot rosé in La Mancha... The grape ripens well here. The two oldest (since the mid-1990s) and still the two best PVs are Abadía Retuerta Pago PV (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León) and Dominio de Valdepusa Petit Verdot (DO Dominio de Valdepusa).