Exotic smelling, with Middle Eastern spice aromas, blueberry and herbs. Highly acidic and spiky in the mouth, with cassis and blackberry flavors in front of an aggressive finish that smolders with heat. Dense but awkward, with forceful acidity.——M.S.(8/1/2011)—— 86

Gummy, rough and huge, with woody aromas, muddled red fruit and a ton of kick. The palate is narrow and grippy, with tarry, concentrated blackberry and wild berry flavors. There isn’t much body or complexity to it; it’s full-force, tannic and raw. Shows why Petit Verdot isn’t usually made into a varietal wine. ——M.S.(12/31/2010)—— 86