Tasting- Valerie Hill John Barron Petit Verdot

Name: Valerie Hill John Barron Petit Verdot

Variety: Petit Verdot

Price: $36

Region: Virginia

Country: USA

Year: 2012

Description: Inspired by the story of Civil War soldier Private John M. Barron, our 2012 Petit Verdot is destined to create winemaking history for Valerie Hill. This bold, rustic red wine greets the glass with aromas of pencil shavings, smoked spice, and cedar. Dense flavors of dark black cherry, blackberry, and black plum march on the palate. With rigid tannins and a concentrated nature, this wine pairs well with rich red meats, well-aged cheeses, and game. 

Phillip showed us Private Barron's jacket- which they actually have -intact- on display in one of the front rooms. He also said that the Virginia Tech extension farms are right down the road from Valerie Hill's location in Stephens City, VA. Phillip told us that Petit Verdot wasn't grown in VA until 1986; while it was being used in wine blends, VT suggested that they make a wine from that particular grape. Phillip says this wine received a rating of 90. I tasted pencil shavings, wood, and a defined tartness.