Planted along the banks for the Columbia River, at the southern tip of Horse Heaven Hills AVA, Alder Ridge Vineyard’s site selection is second to none. Benefiting from the warmer continental climate of Columbia Valley’s growing season, but with cooling effects from the proximity of the river, high winds from the gorge, and large drops in nighttime temperatures- creates a beautiful balance of enough heat to optimally ripen, but cool enough to retain the fruit’s vibrancy.
This Petit Verdot was sourced from Alder Ridge Vineyard’s Block 33, which is planted on the crest of the bluffs overlooking the riverbanks. This location, along with the high winds from the gorge, allow the grape skins to thicken, resulting in highly concentrated flavors.
Traditionally seen as a blending grape in France, we brought in this varietal mostly to use in our Bordeaux-style blends, however after tasting this wine in ferment and during barrel aging, we quickly realized that this wine was a star all by itself. So we sparingly scattered some in blends but coveted what we could in a single varietal bottling (just 36 cases).
The beauty of Petit Verdot is the balance of two parts: thick, dark skins providing tannin and the grape’s natural bountiful acidity. Both of these combine to create a full bodied, deeply purple wine with fresh vibrancy on the palate. The fresh violet bouquet on the nose turns to lasting plum and sage flavors on the palate.
