Bergevin Lane Amare Aeterna Petite Verdot 2013, Stone Tree Vineyard, Wahluke Slope, Washington

Petit Verdot is not a common grape varietal in WA State but it is a rising star. This “little green” Bordeaux varietal thrives in the long growing days with plenty of heat units at Stone Tree Vineyards in the Wahluke Slope. Expect full earthy, meaty and dark fruit flavors from this tiny 5 barrel production. 100% Free Run juice (no pressing of the grapes for this wine. The nose is Darth Vader dark with notes of earth and oak and a subtle background of cassis and anise. Ripe blackberry and cassis flavors seamlessly mingle into tobacco and anise on the palate. The texture is firm but very smooth. The finish is tooth staining currant and spicy black fruit. Only 5 barrels of this wine was made. Petit Verdot Grapes were hand-picked, sorted and lightly crushed into four ton open fermenters. 2 separate yeast types were used and the cap was gently pumped over twice per day. After a 20 day fermentation the free run was drained off and the skins were gently pressed. Aged 18 months in both new and neutral French oak, the best five barrels were selected and blended to make this wine.