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| Petit Verdot Grapes |
Pre-dating Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot has traditionally been used to prop up and enhance its more illustrious counterpart in classic Bordeaux blends. In Australia and California however where conditions are more conducive to its late ripening properties, the grape is often produced as a single variety wine. Indeed, four times as much is grown here as it is in France and the quasi Mediterranean climate of McLaren Vale allows Petit Verdot to ripen to its intense and distinctive potential for which the variety is known. These characters are invariably intense colours, generous and fragrant aromas, rich dark fruit flavours and soft tannins.
Dog Ridge is a small family-owned winery in the McLaren Vale with vineyards located throughout this premium wine growing region. The small Petit Verdot vineyard is planted over very ancient shallow topsoils with underlying limestone. Viticultural practices embrace biodiversity and sustainability. The variety's small, thick, black-skinned grapes produce an inky purple, glass-staining wine. Opaque and dark. Black as the ace of spades! Allowing time to aerate, there are lifted blackberry, plum, violet and liquorice aromas. A serious and intense nose. Bitter chocolate, spice, notes of oregano and cracked black pepper enhance the underlying firm, dark fruit mouthfeel. Quite a juicy palate, sharpened by fine-grained tannins and acid on the back end. Good weight and lingering soft fruit, mineral finish. I like the varietal expression of this Petit Verdot very much. There will be more planted of this underrated variety in future as global warming envelopes us. Forget your Cabs for the time being, put this impressive wine on your radar and give it a try. Make no bones about it !
Source: Retail Purchase. Alcohol: 14%. Closure: Screwcap. Rating: 92 Points. Website: http://www.dogridge.com.au/
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