Petit Verdot 2005

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

Abacela was founded with the specific purpose of exploring Southern Oregon’s viticultural potential with rather uncommon experimental varietals that would “never ripen in Oregon.”

Surprisingly the somewhat cool 2005 vintage produced exceptional Petit Verdot fruit that we eagerly harvested in mid-October. We believe this may be the first commercial bottling of Petit Verdot in Oregon and perhaps the Pacific Northwest.

Pure and effusive aromas of blueberries, black raspberries, and wet slate highlight the nose. Bountiful acidity is balanced by fine tannins carried on a medium frame. Proper short term cellaring over the next two to four years will facilitate development. Decanting is recommended.

This wine will accentuate rich dishes like pork medallions and shitake mushrooms in a puff pastry with fennel, grilled onion and roasted tomato cream sauce.

Technical Notes

Fruit Source: Abacela’s Fault Line Vineyards, Umpqua Valley

Appellation:  Southern Oregon

Harvest date: 13 October 2005

At harvest: Sugar; 24.4° Brix, 3.39 pH, TA 9.47 gms/liter

Cooperage: French (100%)

At Bottling:  Sugar; Nil

Bottling date: 1 May 2007

Case Production:  161 (750 mL)

Alcohol: 14.3% by volume

Release date: 23 November 2007

2005 Reserve Syrah-->