Vintages matter, and the differences between the 2008 and the 2007 Zerba Petit Verdots are dramatic. This seems sour and barely ripe, with a streak of asparagus and stemmy tannins.——P.G.(12/15/2011)—— 85

Petit Verdot as a pure varietal wine is not only rare, it’s difficult. This is a classic blending grape, that can seem quite thick and tannic when tasted alone. Yet here, despite alcohol topping 15%, it is a beautifully proportioned and detailed blockbuster of a red. Along with the ripe blackberry fruit you’ll find tar, toast, cedar and chocolate, layered nicely and unfolding through a long finish.——P.G.(5/1/2010)—— 92