2021 Like Father Like Son Red Wine
Napa and Sonoma Counties
Like Father Like Son unveils a four-generation odyssey that began on a modest family ranch with Italian immigrant Pietro Biale sowing the seeds that would become a legacy. Pietro’s son, Aldo, kept the family afloat with jugs of homemade wine, while the third generation, helmed by Aldo’s son, Bob, elevated the family brand to new heights, establishing it as a revered standard for Zinfandel and championing old vine viticulture and preservation of historical varietals.
A tribute to this enduring legacy, Like Father Like Son is a harmonious blend reflecting each generation’s dedication. Composed with old-world and historic grape varieties, it weaves the velvety hues of Alicante for plushness, the vibrant notes of Grenache, a touch of Syrah for savory tones, the length from Tempranillo, and the structural backbone of Petite Sirah.
Like Father Like Son encapsulates the essence of familial dedication, a homage to those who paved the way.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Bright notes of Bing cherry, nutmeg, freshly ground coffee, and kirsch on the nose. Vibrant on the palate with notes of raspberries, dried herbs, boysenberry, orange peel, and clove. Finely grained tannins and a lengthy finish complete this complex and layered blend.
Cases Produced: 310
2022 Dickerson Vineyard Zinfandel
St. Helena, Napa Valley
Bob Biale is our Vineyard Guy. He grew up working in them, then stewarding them, and now curating them. One of his favorite roles at the winery is bringing in important vineyards to our portfolio. Sometimes they’re undiscovered gems, and sometimes…they’re established icons. Enter Dickerson Vineyard.
This is the last Zinfandel vineyard on Zinfandel Lane in St. Helena and was a crown jewel for Ravenswood’s Vineyard Designations for decades. In 2022 Joel Peterson—yes, THAT Joel Peterson, founder of Ravenswood and now making Zin under his label Once and Future—graciously invited us to share in its bounty. Yes please and thank you!
The vineyard has a track record for deliciousness, but almost as important to our curator, it has owners who share our passion for preserving traditions of the land and family.
Seventy-some years ago, Dr. Bill Dickerson bought vineyards in St. Helena with a few friends. This group of psychiatrists wittily named their venture Grapenuts, LLC. Eventually Bill would be the last Grapenut standing after buying his partners out and was on the brink of replacing the old Zinfandel vines, when on the very day the bulldozers were flipping their ignition switches, Joel Peterson of Ravenswood fame—and Dickerson running buddy—called a halt. He’d done some research and discovered that these were some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in the Napa Valley, over 100 years old now. Bill Dickerson had a change of heart, and so the Zin remained.
After being effective stewards of the land for decades, Bill and his wife Jane tragically died in the Thailand tsunami of 2004. The vineyards were transitioned to the capable hands of their son Drew Hagen and his family who have the same passions for tradition and preservation.
One of Drew and his family’s most rewarding parts of stewarding the rich heritage of this vineyard is the opportunity it provides to gather family, friends, and coworkers together regularly to celebrate, create memories and traditions, recharge, heal, and learn more about living amongst the serenity of the vines. Drew, wife Susan, and their children, Maddie and Blair, host a unique annual gathering where all are taught how to help prune and prepare the vines for the coming year. Of course, after the pruning comes the party! A fitting tribute to Bill and Jane.
Drew is vineyard manager of the parcel named Dickerson Vineyard, though he shares ownership with Tim & Aubrey Kendall, who are also passionate about the wonders of the soil which make up Dickerson Vineyard.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Inviting aromas of allspice, clove, raspberry, and currants with hints of white peach. Excellent mid-palate weight with flavors of red cherry, strawberry, anise, and black plum with a finish defined by well-integrated tannins.
Cases Produced: 163