In this wretched “winter of our discontent”, it’s vital to know you have enough full-bodied, rich red wines to last you through it. Virginia excels in producing varietal Petit Verdot, which has perfume, ripe black fruits, guts of deep but smooth tannins, and can handle oak well. Petit Verdot is also a critical component of Virginia red Meritage-style blends.
Emily Hodson of Veritas Vineyards is one of Virginia’s most talented winemakers, and has a special touch with Petit Verdot. This wine is typical of her style; subtle and balanced, yet multi-dimensional, rich, ripe yet elegant.
***+Veritas Vineyards Petit Verdot 2019, Monticello: Color: deep and dark. Nose: surprisingly subtle, yet complex, with ripe black fruits, sage and other garden herbs. Palate: full-bodied yet elegant, with ripe black fruits and smooth ripe tannins, black pepper and typical of the 2019 vintage, showing finesse and balance, with all elements well-integrated. Stylish.
Part of the finesse of this wine could be that, while legally correct as a varietal (82% Petit Verdot), it is a blend, with 13% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec.
(Rating key: * = good, ** = very good, *** = classic style and quality, **** = exceptional, outstanding, + = given rating plus, > = will increase in quality with time. Note: I won’t give wine recommendations when I consult for a winery.)