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. David Natali has been the head Winemaker since 2022.
The winery recently sent me samples of some new releases.
2024 Robert Biale Vineyards Zinfandel Party Line – Bright red in color. 14.6% ABV. Pretty nose of red fruits, citrus, baking spices and flowers. Medium body with perfect acidity. Light, refreshing and well balanced. Cherry, pomegranate, blood orange and earth on the palate. Nice length on the finish. This is ready to drink and will be perfect with favorites off the barbecue this Summer. Best over the next several years. $28 at the winery and retail. My rating: 92 points.
2024 Robert Biale Zinfandel Stagecoach Vineyard – Crimson in color. 14.8% ABV. From a vineyard located in the Vaca Mountains and planted in the 1990’s. Gorgeous nose of red fruits, baking and flowers. Medium body with mouth watering acidity. Bursting with bright, vibrant fruits. Wild strawberry, raspberry, pomegranate and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Charming Zinfandel that is about finesse and elegance. Best over the next 3-5 years. $70 at the winery and retail. My rating: 95 points.
2024 Robert Biale Vineyards Zinfandel Heminway Vineyard – Dark red in color. 14.8% ABV. From a vineyard just north of Pritchard Hill and planted in the late 1990’s. Subtle nose of red and black fruit, baking spices and pepper. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Packed with dark, savory fruits. Cherry, blackberry, strawberry and white pepper on the palate. The finish is long and supple. Exceptionally elegant, smooth and easy to drink. Approachable now but this will drink well for years to come. Best over the next 3-5 years. $62 at the winery and retail. My rating: 94 points.
2024 Robert Biale Vineyards Zinfandel Morisoli Vineyard – Bright crimson in color. 14.8% ABV. Stunning nose of red fruits, citrus, baking spices and flowers. Medium body with mouth watering acidity. Rich, savory and well balanced. Raspberry, cherry, blood orange and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. This has the structure and concentration to age well. Napa Valley Zinfandel at its very best. Drink over the next 5-7 years. $72 at the winery and retail. My rating: 95 points.
2024 Robert Biale Vineyards Zinfandel Black Chicken – Crimson in color. 14.7% ABV. Sublime nose of red fruits, citrus, roasted herbs and earth. Medium body with just the right amount of acidity. Bright and crisp with snappy, refreshing fruits. Cherry, cranberry, nectarine and a touch of pepper on the palate. The finish is long and seamless. Compelling Zinfandel made in a friendly, restrained style. Best over the next 2-4 years. $56 at the winery and retail. My rating: 93 points.
On the whole these Zinfandels emphasize finesse and balance over power and represent the pinnacle of this variety in the Napa Valley.
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.