2012 Seven Hills Petite Verdot Walla Walla

2012 Petit Verdot, Walla Walla Valley McClellan Estate Vineyard

 Vineyard: McClellan Estate Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley

100% LIVE Certified Sustainable

 Grapes: 100% Petit Verdot

 Vintage: Warm growing conditions, with moderate heat unit accumulation spread throughout the ripening season with normal yields

 Ageing: 20 Months in French Oak Barrels, 40% new

 Aroma: Black plum, tobacco, fig, eucalyptus, musk

 Taste: Plums and currants, tea and tobacco, chewy tannins, savory undertones

 Vegan: Yes

 Alcohol: 14.5%

 Lot size: 248 cases

Each year we bottle small amounts of traditional Bordeaux “blending” varietals on their own. To be selected for a single varietal bottling the wine must not only meet our qualitative standards, but be a clear and excellent representation of the character of the particular grape varietal. Petit Verdot is known for its structure, with formidable tannins, high acidity, dark fruit, and savory undernotes. We have grown Petit Verdot at our McClellan Estate Vineyard since 2003, and have used it as a blending varietal in Pentad (our top cuvee) and other wines since 2001.

The wine is nearly opaque, with dense violet and garnet color. The nose reveals aromas of tobacco, fig, black plums, eucalyptus and musk. The palate is full and powerful with substantial tannins, concentrated black fruits, firm acid structure, and an intense savory character. The wine has enough fruit and creamy mid-palate to match the massive structure for early drinking, though it will improve in the cellar for an additional 5-7 from release.