Bellarmine Petit Verdot 2016

I really was not sure what I was going to find here as petit verdot is best known as a blending partner for cabernet sauvignon and is hardly ever seen as a single varietal. Pemberton is also a cool region and not obviously suited to this variety. And the wine has five years under its belt. But it was a revelation, although in a distinctly savoury style.

Deeply coloured, it shows both good fruit power and complexity. Dusty spice and cedar aromas sit over a strong core of youthful dark peppery fruits. There is a fleshiness but also a meaty intensity that gives it plenty of impact. It takes a slightly different turn in the mouth with layers of dried herbs over dark fruits and all supported by moderate grainy tannins. It’s clearly aging well and will do so over the medium term. Enjoy with hearty dishes, such as Hungarian Goulash.