Robert Biale, Royal Punishers, Petite Sirah 2020

Deep purple in the glass. Nose of violets, blackberry, raisins and figs. On the palate complex layers of dried plums, treacle and coffee. Integrated and an evolving length. Medium bodied.

Country: USA  Region: California, Napa Grape: Petite Sirah
ABV: 14.8%   Bottle Size: 75cl 

Additional Information: In 1991 Bob Biale, together with his partners Dave Pramuk, Al Perry and father Aldo Biale launched Robert Biale Vineyards on the site in the Oak Knoll AVA where Aldo’s father, Pietro, had had the foresight to plant Zinfandel vines in 1937, only four years after the repeal of Prohibition.

Following his father's death, Aldo Biale supported his mother by selling the family’s bootleg Zinfandel, along with eggs and other farm produce, back in the 1940s. When customers rang in their orders over the open party phone line they shared with their neighbours, the words ‘Black Chicken’ were code for a jug of Aldo’s secret Zinfandel. 

Today, Robert Biale has a renowned reputation for Zinfandel and Petite Sirah in the Napa Valley and still has vines dating back to the 1880s. The ‘Black Chicken’ is still produced as their flagship wine. 

Conditions started in 2020 perfectly with mild temperatures that led to evenly developed clusters and low winter rainfall resulted in smaller berries with concentrated flavors.

However, there were two fires during the harvest season. Biale, like most wineries in the area, decided to make only their best wines at limited production. The fruit was hand-sorted first in the field then again at the winery. Pressed to Burgundian oak, 70% old and 30% new and aged 17 months.