Sunday, April 20, 2014

2012 Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Petit Verdot, Rutherford Napa Valley (California)

A Trader Joe's wineseller tipped me off to this usually blended varietal, one of the five grapes making up Bordeaux or Meritage blends.  Very rare indeed to see Petit Verdot bottled on its own,  with just a handful of California producers making it.  I was especially intrigued that this is from the Rutherford appellation.  This has inky, concentrated color, deep dark fruits with touches of molasses and smoke.  Big tannins  - would be fun to try again in a year or two.  And, at this price, its a possibility:  $14.99.  Try getting a Napa Cab with Rutherford dust for twice that!
We had grilled thick-cut ribeyes, sauteed zucchini and onions, an avocado half with blue cheese, and a multigrain ciabatta.

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