2008 Tobin James Petit Verdot

[Innkeeper]

2008 Tobin James, James Gang Reserve, Paso Robles, Petit Verdot (Alcohol level 15.5%; it came in the Spring '11 shipment and had a list price of $48 if you wanted more.) Was not sure where to post this one as the Bordeaux thread did not give the option for "Bordeaux grapes from elsewhere."

Popped it last night with rib steak grilled over charcoal and mesquite chips, eggplant salad, and rolls. This was our first varietal Petit Verdot, and won’t be our last. It is a splendid wine with lush fruit on the nose and upfront. It was well balanced in the middle with just a touch of oak and minimum tannin. It also provided a lovely finish.

There are two more in the cellar from TJ, and we're looking forward to their coming of age.

[Innkeeper]

2009 Tobin James, James Gang Reserve (Alcohol level 14.6%, came in the Spring '12 shipment with list price of $38). This is their second varietal Petit Verdot and in retrospect it seems much better than the first. It was lower in alcohol and was well balanced. It gave raspberries and other fruit on the nose and upfront; more fruit including raisins, figs, and even a little nutty in the middle, and finished nicely.

We matched it the first night with tenderloin steaks in bacon rasher, grilled over charcoal and mesquite chips, and the second night with sautéed hamburgers. Yum!

[winoweenie]

IK the boards' title is Bordeaux, not Bordeaux varietals. Last I checked this vineyard is still in Paso Robles WW

[Innkeeper]

It is a Bordeaux variety which is the criteria for all these threads.