Petit Verdot...

...the little green one, roughly translated.  A Bordeaux varietal which is rarely used in Bordeaux because of its need for a longer ripening season, this grape thrives in our Aussie vineyards.  Long warm days, and a long growing season allow for full development of flavor, color, body and character.  When grown in these optimal conditions, it produces big bold wines, that benefit from several years ageing to develop full character.  Lots of bold dark fruit, aromas of violets and prunes  make this a full bodied, rich wine standing up to the most flavorful of foods.  As a blender, it is also excellent.  Providing a rich bottom end of dense flavor and color to wnies, it allows for other varietals to shine on top of it.  Even just 10% in a blend with Grenache Noir (  a favorite blend of mine) puts the Grenache on steroids.  This puts many a Chateau Neuf to shame!