"Hey Aldo, when you stop by this Friday, bring me a few pounds of walnuts, some fruits and veggies, a couple dozen eggs and a Black Chicken!" - This was one of the many covert orders placed to Aldo Biale.
For over 70 years starting in 1937 the Biale family has been growing Zinfandel along with a variety of produce. Back then, a young Aldo Biale used to deliver eggs to local customers. Along with those eggs and produce a teenaged Aldo began discreetly selling his homemade wine to a few wine-loving locals in Napa. Because his rural home phone was a "party line" frequented by nosy eavesdroppers, enterprising Aldo used a code name whereby his customers could order wine without the risk of revealing his secret Zinfandel operation. Thus "Black Chicken" was born - the nickname for a jug of homemade wine from young Aldo's barrels hidden in the barn.
In 1991 Aldo teamed up with his son Robert and a couple other key figures to form Robert Biale Vineyards and with such long standing history, grapes and winemaking Robert Biale Vineyards gained recognition and a cultish following by Zinfandel fanatics.
ANTONIO GALLONI 92 POINTS - "The 2023 Zinfandel Black Chicken is an absolute delight. Plump, juicy and open-knit, Black Chicken is one the most accessible wines in this range. Succulent red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, pomegranate and a refreshing kick of blood orange all meld together effortlessly."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 92 POINTS - "Assembled from several vineyards around Napa with an average vine age of about 40 years, the 2023 Zinfandel Black Chicken features raspberries and cherries up front plus hints of stone fruit and cracked pepper. It's medium- to full-bodied, supple across the mid-palate, then firms up a bit on the bright, refreshing finish."
For over 70 years starting in 1937 the Biale family has been growing Zinfandel along with a variety of produce. Back then, a young Aldo Biale used to deliver eggs to local customers. Along with those eggs and produce a teenaged Aldo began discreetly selling his homemade wine to a few wine-loving locals in Napa. Because his rural home phone was a "party line" frequented by nosy eavesdroppers, enterprising Aldo used a code name whereby his customers could order wine without the risk of revealing his secret Zinfandel operation. Thus "Black Chicken" was born - the nickname for a jug of homemade wine from young Aldo's barrels hidden in the barn.
In 1991 Aldo teamed up with his son Robert and a couple other key figures to form Robert Biale Vineyards and with such long standing history, grapes and winemaking Robert Biale Vineyards gained recognition and a cultish following by Zinfandel fanatics.
ANTONIO GALLONI 92 POINTS - "The 2023 Zinfandel Black Chicken is an absolute delight. Plump, juicy and open-knit, Black Chicken is one the most accessible wines in this range. Succulent red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, pomegranate and a refreshing kick of blood orange all meld together effortlessly."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 92 POINTS - "Assembled from several vineyards around Napa with an average vine age of about 40 years, the 2023 Zinfandel Black Chicken features raspberries and cherries up front plus hints of stone fruit and cracked pepper. It's medium- to full-bodied, supple across the mid-palate, then firms up a bit on the bright, refreshing finish."
