Happy Sunday! That weekend really went fast, but at least the weather turned somewhat spring like today so I could enjoy a bike ride. And now I'm ready for a nice bottle of wine and Sunday dinner, which made for an interesting pairing challenge. Undeterred, I have opened a bottle of 2018 Helix Petit Verdot, a 100% Petit Verdot from the Stone Tree Vineyard in the Wahluke Slope AVA of Washington. So, let's see what this wine has to offer!
The wine is an inky indigo at the center, with bright ruby along the edges as might be expected from the smaller berries of this varietal. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, dusty loam and a hint of lilac with some undertones of dark chocolate and caramel. Take a sip and you're greeted by a rush of tart cherry, black currant and raspberry that transitions easily to some earthy notes of dusty loam and green grass midpalate. The tannins are nicely structured to provide a bit of backbone for the long dry finish that lingers to a reprise of acidity at the end.
Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's an interesting single-varietal wine for what has long been a simple blending grape. This wine is a classis for some of those harder to pair dishes, like duck or pork tenderloin, or even smoked brisket. Tonight I am taking a pairing challenge and enjoying this wine with some chicken and vegetables simmered in some Trader Joe's Thai green curry simmer sauce over some steamed jasmine rice. The fruit and earthy character of this wine is ideal to counter the richness of this dish. Cheers!
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