WINERY REFLECTIONS

Crunchy boysenberry, ground peppercorn, juicy dark cherry. Wild black raspberry, dried rose petal, organic strawberry. Delightfully ripe and energetic bursts of blueberry, tart blackberry, and Santa Rosa plum highlight a luscious yet thoroughly lively fruit core interlaced with intriguing natural notes of tobacco leaf, weathered wood, and sagebrush. Hints of paprika and crushed red pepper gently impart seductive spicy tones while dustings of vanilla and cinnamon reveal well integrated barrel influences. Wafts of fresh violet, iris, and bougainvillea make their presence felt in a deep yet slight untamed floral number that gives way to pleasantly opulent impressions of cocoa powder, graham cracker, and espresso. Notably generous and approachable on both the nose and the palate while remaining impressively pure, fresh, and elegant; exhibiting outstanding balance and finesse despite its textbook fruit-forward Napa charm. Medium plus in body with moderate tannin supported by bright acidity. This 2018 "Black Chicken" Zinfandel by Robert Biale Vineyards is a remarkably complex and delicious red from Napa Valley.

Based out of their picturesque estate property located in the Oak Knoll District just north of the town of Napa, Robert Biale Vineyards is one of Napa Valley's premiere Zinfandel-centric producers and makes fantastic wine from some of the region's most exciting heritage vineyards. This bottling, crafted using Zinfandel sourced primarily from their own estate vineyard, marvelously showcases classic Napa Valley Zin character framed through the lens of one of the region's most iconic producers. This wine booms with a diverse and perfectly ripe mix of black, blue, and red berry fruits playfully enhanced by woody herbal tones, bold floral notes, warm baking spices, and a wonderfully spicy backbone. Though it is ready to drink today this also boasts sufficient structure to support medium-term aging, and would be interesting to follow as it develops further in bottle. Yum.