2005 Petit Verdot Lodi

Acknowledging cabernet sauvignon as the most famous grape of the fi ve used to make red wine in Bordeaux, “siblings” merlot, malbec, cabernet franc and petite verdot have the stuffi ng and structure to stand on their own when properly cultivated and fermented. Petite verdot bears a slight resemblance to its “big brother”, but the contrasts in aroma and fl avor are what make it an interesting wine to bottle and enjoy. Winemaker George Troquato selects fruit from Lewis Vineyard on the banks of the Mokelumne River near Lake Camanche. This 1980 planting is situated east of Lodi at 600 feet above sea level in well-drained rocky red soils. The area is mostly dry with warm-to-hot days and cool evenings produced by regular breezes from the Sacramento River delta.

Tasting Notes

Bright aromas of raspberry and blueberry with traces of vanilla, cigar smoke, black tea and leather work in tandem with fl avors of dark fruit, cocoa, grilled meat and baking spice. The sensory components of firm tannins, medium weight, and gentle mouthfeel add depth to the expression before it finishes with ripe berries, dark roast coffee, and black pepper.

Winemaking

• Hand harvested September 29, 2005 in the early morning cool
• Three days of cold soaking to enhance color and aroma
• Seven days of fermentation in a 5-ton, open-top stainless steel tank
• The must was punched down two-three times daily for maximum flavor extraction
• Aged for 32 months in small American oak barrels (20% new)
• Bottled unfiltered to preserve the varietal integrity

Vineyards

Lewis Vineyard
Lodi Appellation

Technical Data

Varietal Content

100% Petite Verdot

Finished Alcohol

13.9%

Total Acidity

0.59mg per 100ml
pH: 3.57

Downloads

2005 Petit Verdot Lodi Product Sheet
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