Zinfandel of the Month – 2022 Robert Biale Zinfandel Black Chicken

Zinfandel of the Month is a regular feature on Zinfandel Chronicles. Keep in mind that although the Zinfandel of the Month might be an older bottle, the current vintage will be one you can find at retail or via the mailing list.

The March Zinfandel of the Month is the 2022 Robert Biale Vineyards Zinfandel Black Chicken.

I chose this wine as Zinfandel of the Month when the winery recently sent me some samples. I’ve been enjoying the Biale Zins since not long after they were founded and they have always been one of the best Zinfandel producers in the state of California.

Robert Biale Vineyards in Napa has its roots in the 1930s, when the Biale family started growing Zinfandel grapes and other produce on the outskirts of Napa. The family grapes mostly were sold to local wineries, though the Biales saved some to make wine for the family. The winery was formally founded in 1991. The estate grows Zinfandel and Petite Sirah on 25 acres in Napa Valley.

The heart of this wine is sourced from vineyards in the Oak Knoll District, among them the same family vineyard Aldo, Nonna, Bob and the Biale family have farmed their whole lives. Back in the 1940’s, Aldo Biale and his mother Christina ran a small farm and vineyard with hundreds of white leghorn chickens. A “black chicken” became the code name for a jug of Aldo’s private Zinfandel.

Purple in color. 14.8% ABV. Savory nose of black fruits, anise and flowers. Medium to full bodied with perfect acidity and balance. Packed with lush, dark fruits. Tremendous concentration and structure. Plums, blackberry jam, black cherry and pepper on the palate. The finish is long and supple. This will age well for 5-7 years. Napa Valley Zinfandel at its very best. $55 at the winery and retail.

My rating: 94 points.

Sample provided by the winery.

This review was based on a sample provided by the winery.

Biale deserves to be mentioned with the likes of Carlisle, Ridge and Turley when discussing California Zinfandel. The wines are widely available at retail but you will get a slight discount with a Biale membership. I look forward to visiting on my next trip to Napa.