Petit Verdot is losing its popularity in Bordeaux, where it is one of the components that make up the Bordeaux quintet. The reason for its decline is that being a late ripening variety it does not perform well in a cool climate, however, in the warmer climates of McLaren Vale the variety is producing wines of great colour and aroma. The Wayne Thomas Petit Verdot is amongst the countrys best example.The 2003 and 2004 vintages were very impressive, the 2005 even more so and loaded with both grunt and wow factors. Spectacular colour with paint like glass cling. Total black purple saturation of colour. Wonderful lifted nose of spice, violets, ripe plum, followed by notes of black pepper, cedar and liquorice. The palate explodes, there is plenty of everything, and whats more, all in balance. Flavours of spice, black pepper and white pepper explode with flavours of liquorice, blood plum and blackcurrant over cedar and vanilla. Fine dry tannins, perfect balance, with very long peppery plum aftertaste. Cellar 3-5 years (2009-2010) Alc/Vol: 15.5%