The 2017 Cuvée du Chêne Reserve is 100% Petit Verdot from the Texas High Plains. On first approach, the aromatics suggest a faint smell of wet earth that fades to reveal ripe blueberry and fresh violets. The gorgeous color is a deep purple from the very center all the way to the rim. The palate is abundant, with notes of toasted walnut, cardamom, nutmeg, pink pepper, and juicy blueberry. Aged entirely in new French oak, the bright and persistent finish has an elegant density with surprisingly silky tannins. For such a powerful wine, it is exceptionally refined. With only 2 barrels produced, or 48 cases, we knew we had to save this rare wine for our much-appreciated allocation members.