Sunce Winery & Vineyard, Petit Verdot 2018, Heringer Vineyard – Reserve, Clarksburg, California

Tasting Note: A silky, petit verdot packed with luscious fruit.

Deep-intensity purple in color, this wine has an aromatic, medium-plus-intensity nose of blackberry, raspberry jam, black cherry, cassis, strawberry and rosehip.

On the palate the dry, full-bodied petit verdot has medium-plus-intensity, black-fruit flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium acidity and ripe, medium-plus tannin ultimately completing with a blackberry-infused, medium-plus finish.

Many petite verdots are concentrated and inky but this one is substantial without being overwhelming.

More petit verdot like this please.

And chill for 20 minutes before serving with any grilled meats like the ribeye I’m enjoying with it tonight.

Bottle Note: Sunce is a family winery located in the Russian River Valley appellation of Sonoma County – specializing in small artisan lots of vineyard designated varietal wine and classic blends. A deep blue-black hue leads to the mystery that is petit verdot. As it unravels, subtle aromatics of musty wine cellars and country-side breezes greet the senses. Shades of plums mixed with brighter blueberry fruit essence play on the midpalate while canella and just a touch of smoke linger in the background. Its noticeable tannins are gentle, and the sticky coating left in the mouth is lade with a dry, yet gob-smacking fruit aftertaste. A sensual, tactile feeling remains, beckoning for a good food pairing. Be inventive; have it with: Shashlyk Shish Kebab, Iranian Beryoni, Mexican Adobo, Beef with Mole, Chinese Barbecue Pork, or any food with plenty of protein and fat. Consider rich cuts of red meat, and well-aged cheeses, like stilton. In vegetarian fare, have it with rich curies with root vegetables and pumpkin. Only 6 barrels made. Frane Franicevic, Winemaker.