January 19, 2020
The Wines of Robert Biale Vineyards@Laurelhurst Market!!!
1. 2016 Robert Biale "Black Chicken" Napa Valley Zinfandel
Made mostly from Oak Knoll District fruit, this perennial favorite offers rich tones of mocha, blackberry and cinnamon toast that are balanced by underlying acidity. It's a crowd-pleasing style that strikes a harmonious chord between fruit and structure. Rated 92 Wine Enthusiast Magazine
2. 2016 Robert Biale "Basic Black" Sonoma Valley-Napa Valley Red Blend
This is a massively rich and heady blend, Grenache making up the largest proportion at 26 percent, followed by Early Burgundy (i.e., Gamay) Tempranillo, Syrah, Carignan and Zinfandel. Its ripe berry flavors range from black currant to cranberry, sweetening the bold finish, ready for barbecue. Wine & Spirits
3. 2018 Robert Biale "Party Line" North Coast Zinfandel
This elegant, refined Zinfandel is a blend of Biale's old vine parcels from the North Coast. Brilliant garnet red in the glass with ripe raspberry and Bing cherry notes on a lifted and silky, pleasure-packed palate of crushed, tangy sweet berries. whwc.com
4. 2016 Robert Biale "Falleri" Napa Valley Zinfandel
This is a tiny production wine for the producer. It's also among the producer's lightest and most delicate. High-toned cherry and strawberry fruit support a floral, herbal entry of beautiful perfume, the texture soft and in balance. Rated 90 WE
5. 2017 Robert Biale "Old Kraft Vineyard" St. Helena Napa Valley Zinfandel
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, this wine offers up aromas of anise and tar over red and black fruit preserves, spices and stewed tea with a potpourri waft. The palate is full-bodied and firm with licorice flavors and a pleasantly chewy texture, finishing long. Rated 91 The Wine Advocate
6. 2016 Robert Biale "Grande Vineyard" Napa Valley Zinfandel
This wine opens with a touch of matchstick reduction and smoky wood. Rustic, concentrated layers of leather, tobacco and crushed rock provide a savory core of depth and complexity, buoyed by a richness of graham cracker and blackberry jam. Rated 93 WE
7. 2017 Robert Biale Petite Sirah "Royal Punishers" Napa Valley
The 2017 Royal Punishers has a deep, blackish blue color profile. Aromas of dusty currants, blueberry, quince, violets, figs, molasses, graphite and baked rye. The entry is weighty with a broad mid-palate structure which has layers of ripe, black fruit flavors. The oak profile is balanced and the tannins are mouthwatering and medium grained which hold the fruit profile and carry a long, lingering finish. Winery
8. 2013 Robert Biale Varozza Vineyard Zinfandel St. Helena
From a warm site in the heart of St. Helena's valley floor, this is a restrained, elegant version of a powerfully built wine, thick in tannin and yet nonetheless able to speak its mind. Mushroom aromas give it a Pinot Noir-esque personality at first, before layers of red and black berry provide sultry, juicy texture and flavor. The finish is chewy, asking for more time. Rated 92 WE