WAYNE THOMAS 2005 PETIT VERDOT

Though cancer took Wayne Thomas’ life this past April his wines truly do live on. It’s a complete shame that he was taken from us just when he was doing some of his finest work, as this stunning bottle of Petit Verdot can attest. For those less familiar with this little-seen variety it is in fact what most winemakers would refer to as a blending grape. It’s deep color, firm structure and high natural acidity make it the perfect complement to a number of famed Bordeaux (Leoville Las Cases loves it) as well as popular Napa Cabs and Meritage style wines. In Australia’s McLaren Vale this grape can reach great heights due to the perfect weather conditions for a later ripening varietal and Wayne had been making straight Petit Verdot for a number of years, winning awards left and right along the way. His 2005 Petit Verdot is truly great. More concentrated than your typical Cab, with a densely packed mid-palate of blackberry and cassis flavors, this one shames most Cabernets at twice the price. It’s drinkable now, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it develop nicely over the next 7-10 years. Wayne’s swan song is quite the symphony to our ears, uh, mouths.