2022 Estate Petit Verdot

• Varieties:
  100% Petit Verdot
• Appellation:
  Paso Robles -Templeton Gap
• Average brix at harvest:
  23.4
• Vineyard:
  Estate
• Alcohol:
  13.7%
• Acidity:
  0.67g/100ml
• pH:
  3.64
• Residual sugar:
  0.02 g/100ml
• Date bottled:
  September 26, 2024
• Cases produced:
  107
• Retail Price:
  $ 32.00

Growing conditions:
Another drought year with our total rainfall reaching only 50% of normal. The moderate crop coupled with an extreme warm spell in the last half of August led to a divided harvest, some early September with the balance in late October 7 early November, yielding a moderate harvest with excellent quality.

Winemaking:
The grapes were hand harvested, then crushed into a stainless steel fermentor. 48 hours later, the must was inoculated with D254 yeast then pumped over twice daily for 15 days prior to pressing. After completion of malo-lactic fermentation, the Petit Verdot was aged in French and Hungarian oak for 20 months prior to bottling.

Tasting notes:
Intense aromas of crushed violets and unsweetened chocolate with wisps of exotic floral notes are complimented by a background of subtle oak. This wine is a mouthful with an elegant sufficiency of tannins and toasty oak followed by an extended, rich finish.

Cellaring:
While enjoyable now, this intense Petit Verdot will continue to improve with proper cellaring for another 5-10 years in the bottle with a plateau of best drinkability from 2028-2036.

Food selection:
Best match for filet and rich sauces! This elegant wine will compliment a large array of foods and aged cheeses.