2014 B. Leighton Petit Verdot, Olsen Brothers Vineyard

What I think of as the top cuvee of the estate (although the new Mourvèdre Gratitude cuvee is just about as good), the 2014 Petit Verdot Olsen Vineyard is 100% Petit Verdot, from the same higher elevation site as the Gratitude, that was destemmed and aged 40% in 225-liter barrels. A perfect steak wine with its unctuous, full-bodied and powerful style, it gives up lots of cassis, graphite, crushed rock and violet-like aromas and flavors. While it’s a big wine, it stays remarkably elegant and graceful, with polished tannin and notable freshness. It’s a fabulous expression of this variety.