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 winery recently sent me samples of some new releases.
2023 Robert Biale Vineyards Zinfandel Pagani Ranch – Dark crimson in color. 14.4% ABV. Soaring nose of red and black fruits, plums, chocolate and pepper. Full bodied with mouth watering acidity. Packed with dark, tangy fruits. Black cherry, raspberry, licorice and pepper on the palate. The finish is long and spicy. Textbook Sonoma County Zinfandel from the iconic Pagani Ranch. This has the stuffing to age well. Best over the next 6-8 years. $62 at the winery and retail. My rating: 95 points.
2023 Robert Biale Vineyards Zinfandel R.W. Moore Vineyard – Crimson in color. 14.8% ABV. From a Coombsville Vineyard planted in 1905. Savory nose of red fruits, plums, baking spices and earth. Medium body with perfect acidity. Black cherry, strawberry, cranberry and pepper on the palate. The finish is long and supple. Claret style Zinfandel that is both understated and charming. Best over the next 3-5 years. $65 at the winery and retail. My rating: 94 points.
2023 Robert Biale Vineyards Petite Sirah Royal Punishers – Opaque purple in color. 14.5% ABV. Sublime nose of black and blue fruits, coffee and violets. Full bodied with medium to strong acidity. Thick, inky and concentrated. Crushed blackberries, blueberry liqueur, espresso and bittersweet chocolate on the palate. The finish is long with notable tannins. Approachable now but this will undoubtedly age well. Best over the next 8-12 years. $55 at the winery and retail. My rating: 93 points.
2023 Robert Biale Vineyards Zinfandel Stagecoach Vineyard – Bright crimson in color. 14.8% ABV. Brilliant nose of red fruits, anise, baking spices and flowers. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Really light and elegant. Impeccably balanced with bright, juicy fruits. Bing cherry, strawberry, raspberry and a hint of pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Just a really great expression of Napa Valley Zinfandel. Best over the next 3-5 years. $70 at the winery and retail. My rating: 96 points.
2023 Robert Biale Vineyards Zinfandel Black Chicken – Ruby red in color. 14.7% ABV. Gorgeous nose of red fruits, baking spices, licorice and peach. Medium body with mouth watering acidity. Completely charming with juicy fruits and exceptional balance. Raspberry, cherry, pepper and earth on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Delicious, beguiling and immensely appealing. The best Black Chicken in recent memory. Best over the next 3-5 years. $55 at the winery and retail. My rating: 96 points.
The winery has been sending samples for many years and this is the most elegant set of Zins to date. For the most part they are red fruited with bright acidity and exceptional balance. These are my kind of Zins!
Robert Biale has an impressive portfolio of Napa Valley Zins and 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.
Interesting lineup, Tom. I’ve never tasted anything from Robert Biale before but your tasting notes make me very curious. I’m going to try some of these wines over the next several weeks.
They are really terrific. Very well balanced with a truly great mouth feel.
Great fruit,amazing aromatics
Have to talk about how good 2023 vintage was for Cali and Sonoma. Glad to see winemakers making the most of it.