"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.
WINE SPECTATOR 94 POINTS - "A red with zest and vibrancy that offers expressive accents of blackberry, licorice and berry thicket as this races toward snappy tannins. Drink now through 2035. 5,600 cases made."
ANTONIO GALLONI 92 POINTS - "The 2024 Zinfandel Black Chicken is a total delight. Soft, aromatic and fruity, the Black Chicken has a lot to offer. Black cherry, plum, sweet spice, cedar and tobacco are nicely pushed forward. This is one of the more accessible wines in the lineup."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 91+ POINTS - "Robert Biale's 2024 Zinfandel Black Chicken is a blend of lots—including estate fruit—from different parts of Napa, matured in just over 20% new French oak. At this youthful stage, it's tight and cedary, but there's a core of mixed berries and cherries within, along with a hint of mocha. It's medium- to full-bodied and silky in feel, but those tannins become more prominent on the finish. Give it a couple of years to unwind and it could really impress."
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.
WINE SPECTATOR 94 POINTS - "A red with zest and vibrancy that offers expressive accents of blackberry, licorice and berry thicket as this races toward snappy tannins. Drink now through 2035. 5,600 cases made."
ANTONIO GALLONI 92 POINTS - "The 2024 Zinfandel Black Chicken is a total delight. Soft, aromatic and fruity, the Black Chicken has a lot to offer. Black cherry, plum, sweet spice, cedar and tobacco are nicely pushed forward. This is one of the more accessible wines in the lineup."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 91+ POINTS - "Robert Biale's 2024 Zinfandel Black Chicken is a blend of lots—including estate fruit—from different parts of Napa, matured in just over 20% new French oak. At this youthful stage, it's tight and cedary, but there's a core of mixed berries and cherries within, along with a hint of mocha. It's medium- to full-bodied and silky in feel, but those tannins become more prominent on the finish. Give it a couple of years to unwind and it could really impress."
