2021 Robert Biale 'Black Chicken' Zinfandel

A classic California Zinfandel from Robert Biale Vineyards, showcasing dark fruits and spice, consistently scoring in the low to mid 90s.

Producer

Robert Biale Vineyards

Region

Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, CA

Country

USA

Varietal

Zinfandel

Varietal Composition

100% Zinfandel

Specifications

2021

Vintage

2028

Drink By

ABV

Vinification

Hand harvested from several vineyards within this district, sorted 1st in the field and then in the winery, destemmed, and fermented in open tanks, before being aged in French oak barrels (25% new) for 14 months

Occasional wine note

Robert Biale Vineyards are committed to preserving the long history and grandeur of California Zinfandel. Indeed, they've been producing outstanding Zins since 1937 and today over 25% of their vineyards are dedicated to Zin production. This offering is just a quintessential Zinfandel offering with lots of dark fruits with a good amount of spice mixed in. There are no critic ratings to be found for 2020 or 2021, but these have shown well year in and year with low to mid 90s scores and Vivino scores that bottom out at 4.2. This is a classic representation and one that we really love.

What experts say about this wine

100

The Wine Independent

The 2021 Robert Biale Black Chicken Zinfandel is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. Notes of raspberry pie, redcurrant jelly, and blueberry compote pop from the glass, leading to wafts of hoisin, damp soil, and mossy tree bark. The medium to full-bodied palate has bright acidity and chewy tannins to support the expressive red and blue fruit layers, finishing long and earthy.

100

Wine Enthusiast

A touch of maple sweetness tops boisterous, bright fruit flavors in this full-bodied, smooth and lightly tannic wine from one of Napa's few Zinfandel specialists. Raspberries, strawberries and vanilla taste rich and relaxed as you sip.

pairing recommendation