Rutherford, Napa Valley Petite
Sirah
Magnum
2018
Royal Punishers has a deep, blackish blue color profile. Aromas of currants,
blueberry, quince, violets, figs, molasses and graphite. The entry is weighty
with a broad mid-palate structure which has layers of ripe, black fruit
flavors. The oak profile is balanced and the tannins are medium grained which
hold the fruit profile and carry a long, lingering finish.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Harvest Dates: October 19,
2018
Alcohol: 14.9%
Vintage Notes: Seamless
season of heavenly hangtime and phenomenal phenolic development. February saw
abundant rains, followed by lots of filtered light in spring and early summer.
Both bud break and flowering occurred a bit late, but under ideal weather
conditions, creating plentiful and even fruit set. Summer brought generous sun
during the day and cooler marine influences, virtually uninterrupted by major
heat spikes. The relatively mild summer followed by extended fall sunshine and
moderate heat created near-ideal conditions for winemakers to allow their fruit
to accumulate flavor complexity with gradual increases in sugar levels. Volume
is looking great, up 20-30% increase over average crop quantity.
