This past weekend my wife and I had the opportunity to sit down with David Natali, the winemaker at Robert Biale Vineyards, and taste through some of the new releases. David studied at the prestigious University of Montpellier in France, where he received his master’s degree in Viticulture and Enology. David worked at both Clos Pegase and La Rochelle before becoming Assistant Winemaker at Robert Biale in 2018. He has been the head Winemaker since 2022.
Robert Biale Vineyards in Napa has its roots in the 1930s, when the Biale family started growing Zinfandel and other produce on the outskirts of Napa. The 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 mostly Zinfandel and Petite Sirah on 25 acres in Napa Valley. The winery is really a throwback to a different era in Napa.
While tasting with David on the back porch at Biale we had the chance to try the 25 Clementina Greco, 24 Old Kraft Zinfandel, 24 Aldo’s Zinfandel, 24 R.W. Moore Zinfandel, 24 Stagecoach Zinfandel, 24 Grande Zinfandel and 23 Monte Rosso Zinfandel. With the exception of the Clementina Greco and Old Kraft Zinfandel I have blogged about many vintages of the other wines.
The Clementina Greco is the only white wine being made by Biale. Believed to have been brought to Southern Italy by Greek colonists in the 8th century BC, Greco made its home in the volcanic hills of the Campania region, most notably in the Greco di Tufo appellation. The winery planted a small one acre plot in 2014. The wine is fresh with bright acidity and compelling notes of peach, lemon and grapefruit.
The Old Kraft Zinfandel is from a St. Helena vineyard situated adjacent to the Spottswoode Estate and dates back to the 1890’s. Given the pedigree of the terroir here it is really remarkable that this old vine Zinfandel vineyard still exists. The wine is red fruited with vibrant acidity and pretty notes of cherry, blood orange and baking spices.
Regarding the other wines mentioned above I did not take formal notes (it’s not often you get to talk shop with a tremendous winemaker) but all would easily score in the 93-96 point range. My two favorites were the RW Moore and Monte Rosso. On the whole these Zinfandels emphasize finesse and balance over power and represent the pinnacle of this variety in the Napa Valley.
It is worth noting that David wears his passion for Zinfandel on his sleeve. He clearly understands the importance of preserving heritage Zinfandel vineyards and he has certainly fostered meaningful relationships with the stewards of these vineyards.
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. A few of the wine are widely available at retail but you will get a slight discount with a Biale membership. Many of the smaller production Zins are only available at the winery.
Sign up for the wine club or mailer and make sure to visit on your next trip to Napa.