Petit verdot showed very nicely in 2009. Increasing the petit verdot addition to 10% resulted in a significantly less interesting wine than the 5% addition. enjoyed the merlot sample with 20% cabernet sauvignon blended in, but not the other way round. Tags: USA 2009 blending Napa Valley 2) Dark fruits. MORE >>

This was my favorite from the first flight at the Snooth Cabernet tasting last week. Initially, beautiful dark ripe blackberry aromas assault together with wafts of berries, and hints of vanilla, spices and cassis. 15% alcohol and $16.99 MORE >>

From 95% cabernet sauvignon, with 3% merlot and 2% petit verdot.makes me think they should add 2% petit verdot to the final blend of the 2008, in an attempt to recreate the longevity of the sweetness here. Tags: 2004 Central California 2006 1988 3 stars Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello Napa Valley 4 stars underneath. MORE >>

The 2008 Monte Bello will (probably) be made from just cabernet sauvignon and merlot for the first time in twenty-five years. Difficult to compare to recent vintages (which have all included at least some cabernet franc or petit verdot) this is less flamboyant than the 2006 and 2007, and will benefit from extended cellaring. MORE >>

From 85% caberent sauvignon, 10% merlot and 5% petit verdot, the wine nevertheless sounded a striking note of graphite and crushed stones. We also tasted a 1993 Ridge Vineyards York Creek Merlot ** from the Spring Mountain District of Napa Valley. picked this up for $25 at WineBid.com. MORE >>