Sally Stanford Cellars Petit Verdot, Sonoma Valley, California, USA 2018

Description

Uncork the 2019 Sally Stanford Cellars Petit Verdot, and you’re cracking open a vintage laced with legend. Hailing from Sonoma Valley and shaped by the skilled hands of winemaker Sam Baron, this wine channels the audacious spirit of Sally Stanford—San Francisco’s notorious madam who ran the show during Prohibition and the Roaring ‘20s. Back then, she served up defiance with a smile; now, her namesake delivers a legal pour that’s just as daring.

In the glass, it’s a brooding ruby red, throwing off scents of black cherry, wild sage, and a faint whiff of cigar box—like stepping into one of Sally’s shadowy parlors. The first sip hits bold: dense, chewy tannins tangle with dark cocoa and brambly berries, while a twist of clove keeps things sharp. “Where’s the fruit?” you might mutter, only to catch it swaggering in late, a sly burst of blackcurrant that dances past the velvet curtain of spice and earth. It finishes with a smoky growl, lingering like the echo of a jazz horn at closing time.

Pair it with grilled lamb or sip it solo while scheming under the moonlight—either way, Sam Baron’s crafted a Petit Verdot that’s as gutsy as Sally herself. This isn’t just a wine; it’s a sip of history with a kick. Raise a glass to the madam who knew how to play the game.