Robert Biale Vineyards, March 1, 2013

Winery - 7 / Wines - 7
Range:  1 to 9 (9 is best, 5 is average)
Interesting history in Oak Knoll.  Well made Zinfandels and Rhone-style wines, reservations required.
www.robertbialevineyards.com


The Robert Biale "Black Chicken"

I first discovered Robert Biale wines while browsing half-bottles at a South San Francisco wine shop.  The shop owner recommended the 2003 Zappa Napa Red Wine (a Zinfandel blend) that I thoroughly enjoyed.  I returned twice more for a 2003 Napa Ranches Zinfandel and a 2005 Black Chicken (Zinfandel), each as enjoyable as the first.  So, I decided it was time to visit the winery and taste more of the Robert Biale lineup.  One of the first stories they tell during your visit is the history of the name “Black Chicken”.  The winery began as a farm operation with a winery operation hidden in the barn.  Although this was years after Prohibition, the wine maker was only 15 years of age at the time and had to hide his operations.  Folks would visit the farm and order the usual items: carrots, eggs, onions, and a black chicken, which was the code name for a jug of Zinfandel.  Today, they sell wines made from the same old grapes that were already producing wines 70 years ago.  And while you can still order a Black Chicken, you can order any number of their other wines too.

Outside Robert Biale Vineyards

Driving up to the Robert Biale winery in Oak Knoll, you arrive at the winery operations building which is styled after a well-made barn, with touches of elegance around the rounded doors.  The use of woodwork in finishing the building enhances its barn-like appearance.  There is a small covered patio on two sides of the tasting room overlooking the vineyards where you are welcome to sit and enjoy your flight.  I opted for this arrangement because the weather was a spectacular 72F degrees with a very gentle breeze.  Large French doors admit both patrons and natural light to the tasting room, which is decorated with warm golden paint on the walls, treated concrete floors, and naturally finished woodwork.  In the center of the tasting room is a bar fashioned from two barrels with a beautiful section of hardwood made into a countertop.  The accommodations are on the smaller side, so the winery asks that guests make a reservation in order to taste there.

Inside the Robert Biale tasting room

The tasting menu features five red wines.  The winery does not offer any white wines.  My tasting flight began with the 2011 Varozza Zinfandel, followed by the 2011 Moore Zinfandel, the 2010 Monte Rosso Zinfandel, the 2007 Kiger Syrah, and the 2008 Estate Petite Sirah.  I was a little disappointed with the two 2011 Zinfandels, but that I attribute to the climate during the vintage (other 2011 reds from other wineries have been equally uninspiring).  The 2010 Zinfandel was delicious, as was the 2008 Petite Sirah.  I was torn between which to buy and ended up with the 2010 Monte Rosso Zinfandel in my trunk on the way home.

Based on this experience, I would rate the winery as a 7 and the wines offered as a 7.