Robert Biale 'Black Chicken' Zinfandel 2019

The Biale family has been growing Zinfandel along with other produce on their Napa Valley farm since 1937. They sold most of their grapes to Napa wineries but always reserved a smaller amount so Aldo Biale could make wine for his family and friends. An enterprising young lad, Aldo started selling his homemade wine and adding it to his local deliveries of eggs and produce. Since the rural family telephone was a party line where other people could listen in, Aldo instructed them to use the code word “Black Chicken” if they wanted to order his jug wine.

When Aldo’s son, Robert (Bob), and his childhood friend, Dave, co-founded Robert Biale Vineyards many years later, they named one of their special, limited production Zinfandels ‘Black Chicken’ in a nod to Aldo’s secret name. It remains the most sought after of all the delicious Biale wines produced today.

Sourced from the same family vineyard that Aldo, Nonna, Bob Biale and the Biale family have farmed their whole lives along with additional grapes from our neighboring winery vineyard. The Oak Knoll wine growing region is prevalent in this wine with its ripe aromatics and juicy acidity. The nose is full of vibrant black cherries, raspberries, cinnamon, white cake, fresh purple flowers, and subtle dried herbs. The entry is bright and gives way to supple, round tannins with a kiss of toasted oak. The lovely finish is the signature of this elegant and remarkably balanced Zinfandel.