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 April Zinfandel of the Month is the 2023 Robert Biale Zinfandel Party Line.
I chose this wine as my Zinfandel of the Month as in recent years it has become a go to entry level Zinfandel here at Zinfandel Chronicles Headquarters with the likes of Turley Juvenile and Seghesio Sonoma County.
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.
Party Line celebrates the tradition of Zinfandel and the days when California’s wine-growing families sharing phones was common in rural areas.
Crimson in color. 14.8% ABV. From vineyards in Solano, Contra Costa, Lake and Sonoma counties. Gorgeous nose of red and black fruits, plums, earth and baking spices. Medium to full bodied with perfect acidity. Supple, round and well balanced. Black cherry, black raspberry, cranberry and pepper on the palate. The finish is long and smooth. Approachable, affordable and most importantly an early snapshot into the high quality of 23 Biale Zinfandel lineup. Best over the next 3-4 years. $28 at the winery and retail.
My rating: 92 points.
Review 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.