“I could sit down with friends and drink the sht out of this wine. What are you waiting for?”* – B. Leighton

Yea. Totally, Brennan.

In fact, Agent Noir took the sample home and did just that last week.

Charles Smith and his right-hand man Brennan Leighton hardly need an introduction. They’re minted in the winemaking Hall of Fame already.

Robert Parker was once caught confessing “One of my favorite tastings during my Washington trip is with Charles Smith and his right-hand man, Brenna Leighton. They have one of the most stacked lineups out there… As I’ve said in the past, these wines are the real deal!”

High praise from the man himself! But people pay less attention to Brennon’s own lineup which is made in such tiny quantities they’re tough to find.

This here? PRIME example. 94 points from Dunnuck who said, “you don’t find Petit Verdot with this level of finesse very often.”

Obviously, a ridiculous HALF price from us.

Speaking of stacked lineups, last Friday we tasted around 30+ wines. This stood out among some very serious (and pricey) competition. Petit Verdot tends to be a blending grape - tannic and unruly - this has some voodoo magic work done to it. It’s BIG and dense, but supple and soft. Just packed with warm cassis, dusty cherries, crushed violets, blueberry syrup, and sweet tobacco. It’s polished but no make mistake, this heavyweight red is not for the faint-hearted…

When Agent Noir snatched what was left in the bottle before we could finish it, he got to ‘study’ the rest over the next 3 days. What he reported back with was not ONE great Petit Verdot, but miraculously THREE outstanding wines that emerged over time. First that intensely fruited, full-throttle beast. On day 2, a savory, earthy side took over, reminiscent of great Madiran or Cahors, rustic yet laced with mineral and that intriguing balance of sweet with salivating salinity. And on day 3, when resistance was futile to finish it, came this silky textured, finesse-laden, dare we say ‘Burgundian’ side which is beyond rare to find with a Petit Verdot.

Seriously, wine of the year material. BUY ONE GET 2 FREE kinda juice.

Scored big yes, internally, externally, and with equally compelling social buzz. We just hope whoever wrote “will be tracking down this bottle like a stalker” is on our list. If they are not, more for you and us. Because at this price? Ooooweee everyone is happy.

So, um… what are you waiting for?

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

“Brennon Leighton is one of the pillars behind the incredible quality coming from the K Vintners lineup, yet he also makes a tiny amount of wine under his own B. Leighton label. These are singular, incredibly impressive wines which are unfortunately made in just tiny quantities. Trust me, they’re well worth the effort to track down! Lastly, the 2016 Petit Verdot comes from a higher elevation block and was brought up in 40% new French oak. It has a great bouquet of white pepper, chocolatey dark fruits, tobacco, and a kiss of violets to go with a full-bodied, incredible elegant profile on the palate. You don’t find Petit Verdot with this level of finesse very often, and it has silky tannins, good mid-palate concentration, and a great finish. It’s another stunning wine from Leighton I’d be thrilled to drink over the coming 10-15 years. Drink 2020-2035.”