Daven Lore Winery 2013 Petit Verdot, Horse Heaven Hills, $29

Prosser, Wash., winemaker Gordon Taylor relies on second-generation grower Will Beightol for the Double Canyon Vineyard fruit that dominates this bottling of Petit Verdot (86%) and Malbec (7%) and also includes Cabernet Sauvignon from Alder Ridge and Syrah from Newhouse Vineyard on Snipes Mountain. Interestingly, all of the fruit for this was hand-harvested, and the Petit Verdot came off Oct. 21 at 26 Brix. His reliance upon American oak leaves quite a legacy, hinting at aromas of filbert skins, coffee, toasted walnut and nougat, but there are fruity notes of sweet blueberry and black cherry along with herbs de Provence. Its structure — both in terms of managed tannins and oak influence – makes this a remarkably suave version of Petit Verdot. Black currant, black plum, more blueberry, toast and spice combine for a drink that’s far from ponderous. Suggested pairings include beef Bourguignon, eggplant rolatini, mousakka and pork medallions with a Montmorency cherry sauce. These wines are available at his winery overlooking Prosser, Wine Country RV in Prosser, All Things Wine in Renton, Stems in Yakima and Yoke’s Fresh Market stores throughout the Tri-Cities.

Rating: Outstanding!

Production: 163 cases

Alcohol: 13.5%

Winery website

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