2018 Cerro Block Petit Verdot Napa Valley

• Epic 99 Point Vintage ~Wine Spectator
• Cerro Block' Petit Verdot is a Powerhouse~ 93 Decanter
• Rare 100% Single Vineyard Napa Petit Verdot
• Nephew of Charlie Wagner, Learned Wine Biz at Caymus
• BHW has the Lowest Price Anywhere!
• Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles

About the Wine

J. Derek Beitler, winemaker and owner of JDB Wines, producer of Cerro, comes from a winemaking family that’s as well regarded as any in Napa. You may have heard of his uncle, Charlie Wagner, founder of Caymus. His brother owns Bohème in Sonoma. His cousin is Joey Wagner who founded Meiomi and Belle Glos.

Derek does not rest on the successes of his family, though. He spent his summers working at Caymus while in college and continues the pursuit of perfection in crafting his namesake wines. He now owns two wineries—Carne Humana Winery in Napa which he founded with his cousin Joey Wagner in 2010. But before that, he started his solo venture, JDB Wines, in 2007.

When someone who cut his teeth in the wine business at Caymus makes a Napa Red, you pay attention. That’s a good thing because the Cerro wines deserve your attention. It comes from a vineyard situated along the northern edge of the Oak Knoll District (covered by an NDA because other wines from here sell for $250+). Located in the southern part of Napa, the cooling effect from San Pablo Bay keeps the climate temperate, creating a fresh, restrained profile. 

Only 125 (three barrels) cases were made, making it a rare find. This wine is mainly from the famous Cerrito Block vineyard in Rutherford AVA. A defining feature of the
vineyard is Cortina Series soil. This well-drained alluvial lens is one of the most prized soil features in Napa Valley but only present in a few coveted sites.

Petit Verdot is the secret ingredient in some of the most famous Chateau in the world in its native Bordeaux. This varietal is rarely crafted on its own. But, when it's done well, like this version, it's a "WOW" wine not to be missed.

2018 was a Napa winemaker's dream, a vintage Decanter says “belongs in an echelon with the finest of the past two decades,” and Wine Spectator blessed this year with 99 points and said it was a "Spectacular year, with wines that are rich and dark, but detailed, restrained in style and very terroir-driven."

Aging: Three years in 50% new French oak.

Tasting Notes

Imagine a wine dressed in deep red, calling you to enjoy its enticing aroma. It smells like licorice, dried flowers, and leather. Take a sip and discover a world of delicious flavors that are easy to love and hard to forget.

Critical Reviews

The 2018 JDB Wines 'Cerro Block' Petit Verdot is a powerhouse of dark, brooding black fruit, yet finds balance and elegance on a supple, velvety palate. Lush, silky fruit is framed by elliptical tannins, lending structure and finesse. Intriguing layers of graphite, brown sugar, espresso bean, loamy earth, and pressed violets add depth and complexity. Crafted by Derek Beitler, who hails from a distinguished Napa winemaking family (his uncle, Charlie Wagner, founded Caymus), this wine reflects his meticulous approach to sourcing top-tier fruit from Rutherford, Calistoga, and Oak Knoll District.~93 Decanter

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