Napa Reserve Petit Verdot 2005

Winemaker's Notes:

Vineyard InformationThis Petit Verdot comes entirely from a three-acre block at our Main Street Vineyard located just east of Highway 29 at the southern end of St. Helena. Grown primarily for use in our Meritage, as in its native Bordeaux, this thick skinned grape adds color and grip tothe final blend. While 2005 was generally thought of as a "late harvest", we picked this block on October 5th.Winemaking After a cold pre-soak, the grapes were fermented using the rack-and-return method (delestage) favored by leading Bordeaux chateaux. In addition to increasing color and flavor, this process allows forthe removal of seeds, which reduces astringency and produces more supple tannins. To further soften tannins and create a more generous texture, the wine was exposed to air during fermentation and barrel aging. While it spent over a year and a half in barrel, none were new, to keep the tannins supple and understated.Winemaker NotesWhile usually used as a component, in a starring role this varietal clearly shows its characteristics; inky color, floral aromas and flavors with a mouthfeel like velvet.Chef NotesThe rich elegant texture of our 2005 Petit Verdot is complemented when paired with dishes of equal sophistication. Our chef's favorite pairing for this special wine is apple wood bacon wrapped pan-seared filet mignon topped with a stilton cheese crust accompanied by roasted fingerling potatoes and lightly sautéed morel mushrooms.Wine Information Composition: 89% Petit Verdot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon Alcohol: 14.25% T.A.: .62g/100ml pH: 3.73 Oak: 54% French, 46% American Cases: 1800 6-pack cases Release Date: August 2007