I am generally very hesitant of Petit Verdot, as it tends to be heavily extracted and overly tannic with an oaky nature. However, that is not the case here, and I am pleasantly surprised by the elegance of the 2016 Petit Verdot. It opens with aromas of blackberry, cassis and currant on the nose, with an expression of purple flowers that is delicate and not overdone. Full-bodied, balanced and focused, the palate shows integrated oak tones with velvety tannins and a purple flower essence that is remarkable. The tannins are skillfully managed. The wine ends with a complex, silky and elongated finish. 1,021 cases produced. Well done! This is a fantastic Petit Verdot.

My favorite in the lineup was easily the 2014 Columbia Valley Petit Verdot (there’s 4% Petite Sirah), and it’s an outstanding example of the variety. Violets, mint, white pepper and ample black and blue fruits emerge from this beauty, and it's full-bodied, nicely concentrated and balanced, with integrated acidity. It's a downright charming Petit Verdot that's going to keep for a decade or more.

My favorite in the lineup is the 2013 Petit Verdot. Aged in 60% new French oak, it possesses a full-bodied, textured, mouth-filling style, as well as lots complexity in its darker fruits (plums, blackberries), incense and tobacco leaf-driven bouquet. Shining for its purity and focus, it has ripe tannin and a seamless texture, all of which suggest it will age gracefully over the coming decade or more.

A solid example of the variety, the inky colored 2011 Petit Verdot is loaded with notions of white pepper, charcoal, sappy herbs, mint and darker fruits. Seeing 25 months in 54% new French oak, it’s full-bodied, ripe, rounded and textured, with lots of charm and good overall balance. Drink it over the coming 4-6 years.