Hence Cellars
Walla Walla Petit Verdot
Walla Walla Valley, Oregon/Washington, USA
A total wine pick-up, the nice bright label calling to me from a dusty bottom shelf in the "Other Reds" section. Was on the look out for some Petit Verdot ever since a friend of mine asked, "Why is it that I like Petit Verdot so much", and I had no good answer. Petit Verdot is a classic Bordeaux blending grape, typically added at 5-15% to a blend in order to improve tannic structure and boost the flavor profile. New world producers have been experimenting with this late ripening grape, especially in warmer climates, as a stand-alone counterpoint to strong Merlots and Malbecs. Hence Cellars is a smaller producer in the Walla Walla Valley at ~1500 cases a year, specializing mainly in Bordeaux grapes. Paired with a homemade shrimp red curry. Yum! ~$21 | #petitverdot #wallawalla #hencecellars
On the eyes: Concentrated, opaque, deep dark garnet, med+ stain, med tears, no gas/floc.
On the nose: A bit vinous with early hints of chocolate, spice, and violet yielding to leathery, jammy blackberry. Med+ alcohol.
On the tongue: Med+ acid, med alcohol, med+ tannin, med+ body, round on the palette. Dusty black fruit that is undercut by chocolate, spice, and cedar yielding to a wet leathery chewiness. Still a bit tannic - needs another year or so.
A total wine pick-up, the nice bright label calling to me from a dusty bottom shelf in the "Other Reds" section. Was on the look out for some Petit Verdot ever since a friend of mine asked, "Why is it that I like Petit Verdot so much", and I had no good answer. Petit Verdot is a classic Bordeaux blending grape, typically added at 5-15% to a blend in order to improve tannic structure and boost the flavor profile. New world producers have been experimenting with this late ripening grape, especially in warmer climates, as a stand-alone counterpoint to strong Merlots and Malbecs. Hence Cellars is a smaller producer in the Walla Walla Valley at ~1500 cases a year, specializing mainly in Bordeaux grapes. Paired with a homemade shrimp red curry. Yum! ~$21 | #petitverdot #wallawalla #hencecellars
On the eyes: Concentrated, opaque, deep dark garnet, med+ stain, med tears, no gas/floc.
On the nose: A bit vinous with early hints of chocolate, spice, and violet yielding to leathery, jammy blackberry. Med+ alcohol.
On the tongue: Med+ acid, med alcohol, med+ tannin, med+ body, round on the palette. Dusty black fruit that is undercut by chocolate, spice, and cedar yielding to a wet leathery chewiness. Still a bit tannic - needs another year or so.
Nice black fruit and licorice on the nose. Nice chewiness on the palate. Lots of black fruit and more licorice. Some nice baking spices too. Nice finish on this wine that stands up beautifully to any food. Love.
Nice black fruit and licorice on the nose. Nice chewiness on the palate. Lots of black fruit and more licorice. Some nice baking spices too. Nice finish on this wine that stands up beautifully to any food. Love.
1 person found it helpfulAug 9th, 2013
