This single varietal 100% Petit Verdot (in the United States a wine must be 75% of the varietal to be considered “single varietel”) is exemplified by the intense flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and plum with a touch of sage and violet. The wine was aged in new French oak, and as a result the nose of this wine has a touch of vanilla.  This carries through the palate in the background of the other more intense flavors, and the usual tannic nature of the wine is softened, adding a subtle spice. At the conclusion, the soft tannins lead to a smooth, elegant, long finish.  Petit Verdot is increasingly important in Virginia. It is a small, thick-skinned grape with a loose cluster that grows well in this challenging climate where it is resistant to many of the issues brought on by the rain and humidity. In most other parts of the world, we see it as a blending grape adding body and structure. Here we see it as a strong and beautiful lead singer. Pair this wine with rich meat dishes, grilled steak, spicy pork, veal, lamb, all types of game, and sausage.