Robert Biale Zinfandel Black Chicken 2021 (750ML)

93 WI / 92 WS

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.-Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent

A briar patch in a glass, this zesty red shows spirited blackberry, grilled anise and green peppercorn flavors as it builds richness toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2032. 7,185 cases made.-Tim Fish, Wine Spectator

Vintage Notes: The growing season saw rain in January and February then almost no notable precipitation for the rest of the season. This provided an ideal environment for grapes to flower, bloom and set in early spring. Budbreak was early in April followed by flowering and bloom in May. The summer saw early and even ripening with no concerning heat spikes. Everything tended early thanks to the calm spring with veraison appearing in early July. Due in part to the drought, yields were naturally lower, resulting in less dropping of fruit in the vineyards. It was one of the earliest starts to harvest on record. Harvest kicked off with clear skies and almost no weather events to worry winemakers. This allowed the grapes to hang as long as winemakers wanted to achieve optimal ripening and taste.

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Showing the influence of the breezy and fog-laced Oak Knoll District, the 2021 vintage offers rich, plush fruit, delicate acidity and a structure defined by well-ripened tannins. Layered notes of black cherry, raspberry, sandalwood, bergamot, cloves, blueberry, and balsam on the nose. Delicate, yet rich with plum compote, violets, and baking spice on the palate. An ideal vintage of the Black Chicken that, with proper cellaring, will continue to improve for the next 5-7 years.