Walla Walla winemaker John Freeman zeroed in on one of Precept’s estate plantings in Yakima Valley — Canyon Vineyard Ranch near Prosser — and this 10-barrel production from that stellar vintage serves as a remarkable expression of a grape that’s typically a blender. It spent 25 months in 100% French oak barrels, half of them new, so it is dense and intense with aromas and flavors of hazelnut and espresso with creamy black cherry and dark plum. The drink is rich and focused with touches of chocolate-covered pomegranate and dark blueberries, and there’s little sign of alcohol. Each year, Precept CEO Andrew Browne sees his Petit Verdot as a tribute to his sister, Katie, and this is the best effort yet. The wines are available at their downtown Walla Walla tasting room.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 230 cases
Alcohol: 12.8%
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