Petit Verdot “Levi Philander Davis Vineyard” 2018 – Snowden Vineyards

The Petit Verdot “Levi Philander Davis Vineyard” 2018 from Snowden Vineyards is an exceptional testament to the singular beauty and complexity that Petit Verdot can achieve in the hands of a winery deeply committed to showcasing the unique characteristics of specific vineyard sites. This offering from Snowden Vineyards is not merely a wine; it is a vibrant narrative of the Napa Valley, encapsulating the confluence of ideal terroir, meticulous vineyard management, and artisanal winemaking. The “Levi Philander Davis Vineyard” 2018 emerges as a profound expression of Petit Verdot, a varietal often celebrated for its intensity and depth, rendered here with nuance and elegance.

Located in the heart of Napa Valley, the Levi Philander Davis Vineyard benefits from a microclimate and soil composition that is exceptionally well-suited to the cultivation of Petit Verdot. The vineyard’s position on the valley floor, where the days are warm and the nights cool, encourages a slow, even ripening of the grapes. This diurnal temperature variation is crucial for developing the varietal’s hallmark deep color, concentrated flavors, and robust tannic structure. The soils, rich in volcanic and fluvial deposits, contribute to the complexity and minerality of the wine, enhancing its overall character and depth.

The 2018 vintage was characterized by a growing season that provided the optimal balance of warmth and coolness, conditions that allowed the Petit Verdot grapes to develop to their fullest potential. Snowden Vineyards, with a legacy of sustainable and thoughtful vineyard practices, ensured that the grapes were nurtured to express the fullest breadth of their varietal character, reflective of the vineyard’s distinctive terroir. The harvest was carefully timed to capture the grapes at their peak of maturity, a crucial step in the creation of a wine that would fully articulate the essence of the “Levi Philander Davis Vineyard.”

In the winery, the Petit Verdot underwent a vinification process designed to honor the integrity of the fruit and the singular identity of the vineyard. Fermentation took place under carefully controlled conditions to preserve the varietal’s vibrant fruit notes and structural complexity. Aging in French oak barrels was meticulously managed to ensure that the wood complemented the wine’s robust profile, adding layers of spice, vanilla, and toast without overshadowing the intrinsic qualities of the Petit Verdot.

Upon tasting, the “Levi Philander Davis Vineyard” Petit Verdot 2018 unveils a strikingly deep, almost opaque, purple hue, signaling the intensity within. The nose is met with a cascade of dark fruits — blackberries, plums, and blueberries — enriched by nuances of violets, licorice, and a compelling minerality. The oak aging introduces subtle notes of cedar and mocha, contributing to the wine’s aromatic complexity.

On the palate, the wine expresses a remarkable balance of power and finesse. The robust tannins, a defining characteristic of Petit Verdot, are polished and well-integrated, providing a firm yet silky framework for the wine’s dense fruit core. The acidity is vibrant, lending freshness and vitality to the wine, while the flavors evolve on the palate, leading to a long, expansive finish that is both profound and nuanced.

The Petit Verdot “Levi Philander Davis Vineyard” 2018 is a celebration of the varietal’s potential in Napa Valley and a reflection of Snowden Vineyards’ commitment to producing wines of exceptional quality and distinctiveness. It stands as an invitation to explore the nuanced expressions of Petit Verdot, showcasing the vineyard’s unique terroir and the winemaking team’s skillful craftsmanship.

Pairing exquisitely with bold, flavorful dishes, this Petit Verdot enhances any culinary experience, inviting wine lovers to discover the depth and elegance of this often-understated varietal. It is a testament to the innovation, tradition, and passion that define Snowden Vineyards, offering a wine of unforgettable character and profound depth that captures the spirit of Napa Valley’s viticultural heritage.