Winemaker Notes
The 2017 Royal Punishers has a deep, blackish blue color profile. Aromas of dusty currants, blueberry, quince, violets, figs, molasses, graphite and baked rye. 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 mouthwatering and medium grained which hold the fruit profile and carry a long, lingering finish.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A rich, flavorful red with blackberries, walnuts and a hint of coffee bean. Full body. Polished, creamy tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a dark, brooding wine that’s aged in Burgundian oak for 17 months. The blue and black fruit is lush and ample, built around a core of tannins and toasted oak that work well to accentuate without distraction.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.