2019 Palisades Vineyard Petite Sirah - Robert Biale Vineyards

A strikingly powerful yet polished procession of boysenberry pie, wild dark cherry, Damson plum, and black licorice booms with both incredible extraction and elegance as notes of tree bark, bramble, and bougainvillea tastefully contribute a range of complex natural charms. Wafts of crushed lavender, potpourri, and iris emerge to impart deep floral perfume that flutters alongside intriguing spice tones of black pepper, vanilla, anise, and clove. Hints of cocoa powder, graham cracker, and dark roast coffee further enhance perceived opulence as smoky earthy impressions of iron and lit cigar simultaneously reassert rugged leanings. Impressively rich, dense, and muscular on the palate while maintaining excellent balance and freshness; exhibiting a broad-shouldered and inky yet beautifully restrained presentation that possesses outstanding intensity without ever being over-the-top. Full bodied with gobs of velvety tannin backed by surprisingly bright acidity. This 2019 Palisades Vineyard Petite Sirah by Robert Biale Vineyards is a bold and beautiful red from Calistoga.

Although it was one of the most widely planted grapes in Napa Valley during the pre-prohibition era thanks to its ease of farming combined with its ability to produce high yields and robust wine, Petite Sirah saw its popularity wane during the late 20th century yet has been in the midsts of a major resurgence over the last two decades. This bottling, crafted by Robert Biale Vineyards using Petite Sirah sourced from the historic Palisades Vineyard in Calistoga, is an excellent example of how this notoriously powerful and structured grape can still shape wines of great elegance and finesse. This broods with a deep and dense yet lively core of dark fruits backed by brambly herbs, bold florals, peppery spices, toasted oak notes, and pleasant earthiness. Although certainly rich and intense the balance here is truly exceptional, and should help this wine age gracefully for a decade or more with ease. Outstanding.