Today, a new wave of winemakers are rediscovering and refining what the founders started. Conditions in Napa, with its mild climate, long ripening season, and alluvial soils, serve to tame this beast of a grape and bring out the best the grape has to offer - adding polish, sophistication and balance. For decades Petite Sirah, or “pet” as the old timers called it, was used to simply beef up red wines that needed some oomph.

Now that science has positively determined that Petite Sirah is of noble descent - the son of Syrah and Peloursin and can also be called “Durif” we can move on from wondering about its origins to making some incredible wine. Reviewers have begun to take Petite Sirah seriously as a hot variety.

2007 Royal Punishers is the wine to get into when looking for one with purity, power, drama, and longevity. Deep deep black fruit along the lines of currants, currant jam, blueberries, blueberry liqueur, and cassis are supported by firm and mouth-coating tannins, fresh acidity and is a great match for dark chocolate, hard cheeses, rich game meats or a cheesy sausage pizza. And a refined Petite Sirah like this is always one of the best wines for sipping unadulterated, on its own terms. If you are curious about the name, try rearranging the letters of the grape’s parents.