E11even Estate Petit Verdot 2021 (Santa Ynez, CA)

Producer Notes: Some may ask, "Why E11even?" We think we are one better than "10", always pushing the envelope in order to grow and craft the best wine possible. While others may settle to be a “10”, we strive to be better, we yearn to be an “11”! Oh, and Yes, the name is also inspired by one of my favorite movies, “Spinal Tap”.

Tasting Notes: On the palate, you will taste tangy summer cherries, black licorice, warming clove, exotic florals and a gravel-like minerality. This wine will continue to show strongly over the next 7-10 years.

More Info: The Santa Ynez AVA is a long, east-west corridor with very cool temperatures on the coast that become progressively warmer inland. Subsequently, many varietals flourish here. Our Estate Vineyard lies within the borders of the Santa Ynez Valley AVA and sits at a slightly higher elevation, above the fog layer. The name Petit Verdot translates to “little green one” due to its tendency to ripen late in the season. Curtis Vineyard makes the ideal site for this grape, as it can soak up the sun’s heat longer, throughout the day. This moderate climate is a big aid in consistent ripening. Petit Verdot is often misunderstood, utilized as more of a blending component, not often bottled as a single variety. With small, thick-skinned berries, it shows a robust tannin structure, dark color and a lush flavor profile. The 2021 growing season was another great one, largely a function of fine weather—with some wonderful warmth that adds ripeness and richness to this vintage. We are already seeing the benefit of longer hangtime in this wine: mature sweet tannins, outstanding color and brightness, depth of fruit, and beautiful balance. We aged this wine for 20 months in 20% new French Oak as well as an additional 6-month aging in bottle before release.