Austin Hope Petit Verdot Cellar Select

Dark purple red with much sediment, 90 minutes breathing partially in bottle and then decanted, nose has black cherry and plum with floral elements, tastewise still has room to open some, smooth and large in the mouth (Ausin Hope style) with the dark fruit and floral elements. Not a big finish, but it is Petit Verdot. Evacuated and had the next day. As previously commented, held up well.

Good but not spectacular. Missing something, probably sufficient acid to balance the fruit of the petit Verdot, which was quite prominent. Ready to go and I don’t see this improving with time from here.

Very typical Austin juice. Lacking the usual backbone of Petit Verdot, and has a touch of bitterness on the finish. Good, not great.

Best the second day. Dark and velvety.