The Robert Biale Vineyards 2023 vintage is a lineup that honors tradition and the preservation of heritage vineyard Zinfandels and Petite Sirahs. We have also created a few other delicious wines to pay homage to our Italian heritage.
2023 Bedrock Vineyard
Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley
Morgan Twain-Peterson revives a historic Sonoma Vineyard with renowned Zin-makers
We are excited to be releasing this latest edition from the iconic Bedrock Vineyard, truly one of the most historic vineyard properties in California. Planted in the “Valley of the Moon” in the 1800s, under the ownership of Generals Tecumseh Sherman and “Fightin’ Joe” Hooker, the vineyard then became part of the Senator George Hearst family estate. Hearst’s son, William Randolph Hearst, went on to establish the great newspaper empire. In the 1950s, the Parducci and Domenici families owned the ranch and winery, with the Domenicis eventually taking over the larger portion of the vineyards and naming it “Madrone Ranch.” The rock-laden, reddish soils are ideal for Zinfandel, and from the beautiful valley setting at Bedrock, one can see the majestic Monte Rosso Vineyard perched in the mountains above.
Most of the old vines from the Hearst era still exist and under the new ownership by father and son winemakers, Joel Peterson and Morgan Twain-Peterson, the vineyard and its soils are undergoing long-term, intensive restoration and renewal. We are honored and privileged to be one of the few select wineries making a special wine from this rare piece of American agricultural history.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Deeply aromatic with notes of bramble fruits, black cherry, and dried herbs on the nose. Expansive on the palate with flavors of black plum, blood orange, currant, cedar, and cocoa powder. Finely-tuned tannins provide a structured, yet elegant finish.
Cases Produced: 297
If you enjoy Biale Bedrock Vineyard Zinfandel try our friends’ Zinfandels from the same vineyard: Bedrock Wine Co., Ridge Vineyards, Turley Wine Cellars, and Carlisle Winery.
2023 Black Chicken
Zinfandel, Napa Valley
Game Changer
The Biale family has been farming Zinfandel in Napa since 1937. Along with the Zinfandel planted by his immigrant father, Aldo Biale and his mother Cristina also raised all kinds of produce—including walnuts and prunes—and a sizeable population of white leghorn chickens.
When Aldo’s father, Pietro Biale, tragically died in a rock quarry accident in 1942, Aldo, at 13 years old, was suddenly the man of the house and operated the ranch with his mother. In time, Aldo learned how to make wine from a relative and soon thereafter a stack of barrels began taking shape in the barn. Home winemaking was and is legal in small quantities – but selling it requires a license and detailed reporting to Uncle Sam.
Farm life in Napa in those days was rural and modest, and the common phone service of choice was the party line – sharing a phoneline with other houses and only picking it up when you heard your own unique ring pattern. Because people could eavesdrop on each other’s conversations, one had to be cautious about what was being said. As Aldo’s egg and produce business grew, so did the number of calls to the house.
Regular customers, knowing Aldo had another agricultural product hidden out in the barn, learned the system whereby a request to illicitly purchase a jug of wine over the party line became an order for “a black chicken.” Aldo hand delivered them on Fridays. This “a dozen eggs and a black chicken” ordering system went on for years and years with Aldo’s young Piemontese bride, Clementina, not even in the loop: “Aldo, today a man on the phone wanted a black chicken – I told him we only have white ones.”
Zinfandel can be an uneven ripening grape, some berries are “green” when others on the vine and even in the same bunch are raisins. To mitigate this undesirable ripening, Bob and his vineyard crew personally make pass after pass after pass through the vineyards to thin the crop and surgically remove those grapes that will not achieve full ripeness. Every fall, as the days grow shorter and the vines’ physiology slows down, growing Zinfandel at this high level becomes a patient waiting game – a “game of chicken” as it were. It comes down to a period of just a few days where the Zinfandel clusters taste just right – the perfect combination of full flavors, sweetness, acidity, and suppleness. Years later in the glass, the “game of chicken” will have rewarded us with a beautiful wine – dark, balanced, pure, and… guaranteed 100% legal!
We were excited to welcome newbaby chicks to the coop at the winery this past fall! And yes, they’re black.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Showing the influence of the breezy and fog-laced Oak Knoll District, the wine offers rich, plush fruit, delicate acidity, and a structure defined by well-ripened, fine-grained tannins. Vibrant aromas of black cherry, dried herbs, and sandalwood on the nose. Expansive on the palate with notes of blackberry, orange peel, plum, and baking spices all driven to a long finish by balanced acidity.
2023 Falleri Vineyard
Zinfandel, Calistoga, Napa Valley
A small but mighty gem
After our first commercial bottling of Zinfandel in 1991—Aldo’s Vineyard—Bob Biale was in search of other cool, old vines that would fit in our repertoire. Driving in the sleepy town of Calistoga at the most northern end of Napa Valley, Bob saw a vineyard that would mirror the Biale story and the quality of grapes. It was immediately apparent that this half acre of head-trained Zinfandel vines was lovingly cared for, but by whom? And would they sell to Bob who was new to the commercial wine business?
A knock on the door was answered by Sonya Spencer, the granddaughter of Italian immigrant Argentina Falleri who planted the vines and established a farm, gas station, and restaurant on the property in 1924. This immigrant family also farmed prunes and walnuts, raised chickens, and made wine for personal consumption. Sonya was raised on this farm and returned to it as an adult to take over the care of the home and vineyard—all that was left of the larger endeavor—from her mother Olivia. Bob felt right at home.
Sonya is no mere gentlewoman farmer. She tends to the farming herself with the help and guidance of Bob and his crew. Respect, in Bob’s eyes. Twenty years into their viticultural partnership, Sonya walked the Camino de Santiago—a weeks-long pilgrimage walk across northern Spain that Bob and his wife would do a few years later. Even more respect. This is a hardy and hard-working woman reminiscent of Bob’s Italian immigrant mother Clementina. Falleri, in the hands of Sonya, fits.
Winemaker’s Notes: Expressive and floral with aromas of red plum, rhubarb, raspberry, and jasmine on the nose. Supple and filling on the palate with flavors of strawberry preserves, pepper, and subtle hints of cedar. Persistent on the palate with elegant tannins.
Cases produced: 74
2022 Like Father Like Son
Red Wine, Napa and Sonoma Counties
Like Father, Bob Biale, Like Son, Alex Biale
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 Zinfandel, a touch of Syrah for savory tones, and the structural backbone of Petite Sirah.
Like Father Like Son encapsulates the essence of familial dedication, an homage to those who paved the way.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes:
Exuberant aromas of strawberry preserves, cherry, anise, and leather on the nose. Filling on the palate with balanced acidity and flavors of fig, red peppercorns, cocoa powder, and dried herbs. Finely-grained tannins frame the wine’s expansive finish.
Cases produced: 318
2023 Morisoli Vineyard
Zinfandel, Rutherford, Napa Valley
Dust to Dust
Morisoli farming goes back five generations in the heart of Napa Valley. Father and son Gary and Chris Morisoli are doing what immigrants do best: keep the family traditions alive. Descendants of Italian-Swiss immigrants, the Morisoli family stewards their 53 acres of vineyards on Niebaum Lane in Rutherford that produce highly sought-after fruit by both Cab and Zin producers. The head-trained vines of the Zin block we source date back to 1985. They love the “Rutherford Dust” they’ve grown in, and it shows in the glass. The light, gravely soils produce a bold and complex wine.
The dream of their forebearers Rocco & Lodovina Morisoli has been realized through the hard work of the succeeding generations. The dream of the present generation has been realized in the glass.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Notes of raspberry, cedar, currant, and white pepper on the nose. Rich, yet nimble on the palate with vibrant acidity and flavors of orange peel, strawberry preserves, clove, and thyme. The wine finishes with generous length and is framed by the characteristically fine-grained tannins of the “Rutherford Dust.”
Cases Produced: 408
2023 Nonna’s Vineyard
Sangiovese, Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley
Elegance & Grace
This small, one acre vineyard on the Biale ranch, is named in honor of Cristina Biale (1897–1999) or “Nonna” to her family and close friends. Her story is of determination, hard work, and faith.
An immigrant from northern Italy, Nonna met her husband Pietro Biale—also from northern Italy—while working in San Francisco. After they married, they moved to work on the Gier Ranch in Napa Valley on Mt. Veeder, where they eventually had their son Aldo.
Together they saved and bought a small farm in Napa in 1937 and raised walnuts, prunes, chickens, eggs, and of course, Zinfandel. When Pietro died in 1942, it was Cristina with her young son Aldo who took over the farming and kept the ranch going. Eventually Aldo, in addition to his day job, worked the ranch, involving his wife and children in the day-to-day chores. In 1993, two years after we started the winery, Aldo converted a small block of vineyard behind his house to
Sangiovese. It turned out to be so good that we broke from our Zinfandel course and added it to the Biale repertoire in 1995. Sangiovese can be vigorous, but through some intensive farming and crop thinning, the wine takes on depth, complexity, and vivid flavors. We’ve found our Sangiovese to be cellar worthy. It ages slowly over the years.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Prominent aromas of black cherry, dried thyme, and cedar in the glass. A supple and rich entry with balanced acidity, the palate shows flavors of red plum, anise, and bay leaf. Long and persistent, the finish is complete with finely woven tannins.
Cases produced: 100
2022 Palisades Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah, Calistoga, Napa Valley
Land and Legacy
Domenico Barberis sure knew great potential when he saw it. The young immigrant was from the same village in Italy—Murialdo—as Bob Biale’s grandmother, Nonna Cristina Penna Biale. Barberis came to Calistoga in 1902 and soon thereafter was able to start a vineyard and ranch as well as his large family on a scenic property on Horns Creek.
This eastern side of Calistoga features the spectacular geological formation named the Palisades. These dramatic west-facing cliffs are composed of igneous rock and were formed from volcanic upheaval millennia ago. The geological formation stretches for over two miles and reaches elevations at over 3000 ft. It’s no wonder the farmland below is perfectly suited to wine grapes. An active creek bed, stones, gravel, and well-drained soil, not to mention extended sunlight, are ideal conditions for ripening grapes for red wines.
Denis Sutro and Ann Carver stewarded this property for nearly 20 years growing awesome Petite Sirah and other grapes, and preserved the legacy of this awesome historic site. In 2015, however, they decided to part ways with their beloved ranch and found the right proprietors to succeed them. Conservation and preservation-minded Felicia Woytak and Steve Rasmussen now work diligently to maintain the vineyard’s wonderful legacy along with the spectacular, unspoiled land surrounding it. Felicia and Steve stewarded the land through devastating wildfires and have gifted the valley with hiking trails they’ve carved out of their property. Yes, the Palisades is in good hands.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: An inviting nose filled with aromas of plum, lavender, black cherry, violets, and cardamom. Rich and broad on the palette with flavors of blackberry, cherry wood, wet slate, and dark chocolate. Long and persistent on the finish with well-integrated and finely tuned tannins.
Cases produced: 315
2023 Royal Punishers
Petite Sirah, Napa Valley
It is okay to show your soft side
Petite Sirah was created in the 1800s with the hybridization of grapes Syrah and Peloursin and soon came to the USA in the 1880s. It was once a widely planted variety in Napa Valley but has seen a downward trend over the past 50 years. In the last decade, however, Petite Sirah has been gaining loyal followers. It is refreshing
to watch the new Petite Sirah producers hitting the market and showcasing this varietal. Known for its dark color, firm structure, and deep blue and black fruit flavors, it is perfectly suited to Napa Valley’s moderate and dry growing season. Year after year, this wine showcases firm, yet refined tannins, broad mid-palate texture, and balanced acidity.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Warm and inviting with notes of blackberry, cedar, plum, and wet slate on the nose. Rich on the palate with clove, blackberry, fig, and white pepper. Elegant, mouth coating tannins frame this wonderfully complex Napa Valley Petite Sirah.
2023 R.W. Moore Vineyard
Zinfandel, Coombsville, Napa Valley
Bill Moore’s spirit of preservation advances the Zinfandel tradition
Retired orthodontist Bill Moore spent his career preserving smiles. Today, in retirement, it’s old cars and boats, and in an interesting twist as a preservationist–old grapevines, too. All hail, Bill Moore, protector of Napa Valley Zinfandel!
Bill Moore’s vineyard on Hagen Road in Napa is historically significant in California agriculture. It is listed on the Registry of Historic Vineyards and the vines’ plant material is part of U.C. Davis’s long-term Heritage Vineyard Zinfandel project, which was instituted by U.C. Davis and supported by ZAP to identify and propagate California’s best Zinfandel vine selections.
The existing ten acres of vines were planted in 1905 by the family of a merchant seaman named Pleasant Ashley Stevens. Over the next century the property changed hands several times and once was gifted mysteriously from one woman to another “for love and affection”. Over the decades, the grapes were sold to several Napa Valley winemakers. After Bill Moore purchased the property in 1983, the vineyard was rejuvenated through careful farming practices and its reputation rose to fame as a vineyard with a designated bottling by our Zinfandel friends and cohorts at Turley Wine Cellars.
A big change happened in 2009. Bill’s niece, Molly, and husband Mike Hendry, initiated a plan to produce a Zinfandel under a new label from their family vineyard. Mike and Molly graciously proposed sharing a portion of the vineyard’s grapes with Biale. We are delighted and honored to be able to work with Bill Moore, Mike and Molly Hendry, and this historic vineyard. (Mike and his uncle, George Hendry, also produce superb estate wines under their Hendry Ranch label. And a Zinfandel from Mike & Molly Hendry Zinfandel label.)
Where is Coombsville?
Napa’s historic Hagen Road passes west/east through Napa Valley’s Coombsville Appellation which lies at the valley’s cool southeastern section at the foot of Mount George. The gravelly loam soils in this region, which is basically an extinct caldera, are underlain with volcanic ash. The chilly nighttime summer temperatures produce grapes of elegance and backbone. Henry Hagen made his neighboring Cedar Knoll Winery famous in the 1880s by winning medals in Europe and becoming a wine darling among San Francisco society. The Zinfandels from the R.W. Moore Vineyard site–the oldest vines in Coombsville–yield layers of plush dark fruits, minerals, and spices.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Aromas of violets, blackberry, sandalwood, and slate on the nose. Driven by balanced acidity, the 2023 R.W. Moore shows exceptional depth with flavors of raspberry preserves, cedar, baking spice, and black bramble fruits on the palate. Finely-grained and elegant tannins frame this heritage Zinfandel.
Cases produced: 688
2023 Stagecoach Vineyard®
Zinfandel, Napa Valley
A Cut Above—1200 feet to be exact
On the rugged plateau above Oakville at 1200 feet in elevation, looking out over the entire Napa Valley, lies the highly respected and sought-after Stagecoach Vineyard®. In the old Wild West days, gentleman bandit, Black Bart, used to hide up there at this remote site and hold up stagecoaches on their way over to the next county. Many of Napa Valley’s finest Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots, Rhone varietals, Chardonnays, and blends from a Who’s Who of Napa Valley’s elite producers are coming from this acclaimed site. Stagecoach, a wine world unto itself, is unique enough to perhaps one day merit its own appellation status.
In 1999, we collaborated with Stagecoach founder, Jan Krupp, to plant a Zinfandel vineyard at this site in order to continue the preservation and elevation of Zinfandel in Napa. Considering the commitment of prime land and resources, we can unabashedly say that Stagecoach is the most significant planting of Zinfandel in the modern era of Napa Valley.
The similarities between the great Monte Rosso® and Stagecoach® vineyards are striking. As Monte Rosso presides over Sonoma Valley on the western hills, Stagecoach presides over Napa Valley on the eastern hills just above the marine layer of fog that encroaches on Napa and Sonoma Valleys during the summer months. The extra sunlight and challenging, rocky red soils combine to crank up the grapes’ volume to produce an extraordinary red wine of finesse, power, and complexity.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Greeted by the characteristic chaparral note of Stagecoach Vineyard®, the wine exhibits additional aromas of violet, thyme, white pepper, and black tea on the nose. Notes of black plum, all spice, slate, and cranberry on the palate. Balanced acidity with moderate tannins derived from the rocky soils from which it grows complete this mountain Zinfandel.
Cases produced: 598
2023 Valsecchi Vineyard
Zinfandel, Carneros, Sonoma County
A Fruit-Forward Burst in Your Mouth!
This vineyard is one of Biale’s little gems—a beautiful Zinfandel from a small, inconspicuous site just outside the town of Sonoma, off Napa Road. Technically this vineyard lies just within the northern boundary of the Carneros Appellation which makes it very rare indeed—one of only a few Zinfandels and certainly the oldest existing vineyard within this AVA (American Viticultural Appellation).
Carneros (meaning “rams” in Spanish), lying close to San Pablo Bay, has a particularly cool, breezy, and foggy maritime climate with soils that were formed millennia ago when it once was submerged by an inland sea. Occasionally fossilized seashells can be found among the rocks and soils of Carneros vineyards. Easy access for barges and boats and excellent agricultural conditions made Carneros a prime source for all types of produce and meats that were supplied to early San Francisco—grapes being among the most in demand.
The Valsecchi Vineyard is named for John Valsecchi, who after a life of dairy work, retired to farm the old Zinfandel vineyard near Sonoma he had purchased which was planted around 1900. Under the proud and loving care of Valsecchi’s grandson, Ron Mick, the vineyard has survived with its ton or two of grapes going to Biale since 1995. Hidden behind a farmhouse, you would never notice this patch of twisting and weathered old vines. But now, with Valsecchi in the glass, you would sit up and take notice!
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Lending to its proximity to the foggy San Pablo Bay, this wine is a lively example of Zinfandel. Exuberant notes of cranberry, boysenberry, pomegranate, and violets on the nose. Mouthwatering acidity on the palate with generous notes of Bing cherry, honeysuckle, cedar, and grapefruit zest, framed by finely woven tannin.
Cases produced: 124
2023 Varozza Vineyard
Zinfandel, St. Helena, Napa Valley
The Real Deal
We tend to forget these days that Napa Valley was founded not by faceless consortiums or companies, but by families. Hard-working, farming families that plowed and grinded out a life, season by season, raising crops by which they made their livings, paid their bills, and raised their children. According to the Napa Valley Vintners, Napa Valley, which grows only 4% of California wine, is surprisingly still 95% family owned. There remains a small number of those families that are Napa Valley originals. The Varozzas are one of those.
Jack and Diana Varozza run the same ranch that goes back to Napa’s earliest days in the 1800s and has been in their family for over a century. Jack is the grandson of Joseph Varozza and the son of Harold Varozza, who worked the ranch over their lifetimes.
At the northern edge of their 40 acres in St. Helena, bordering York Creek, is a patch of classic head-trained Zinfandel vines that, heading south, connects to a younger block of trellised vines. Jack farms it all himself and Biale is the glad recipient of their prime fruit. What delicious Zinfandel they make!
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Characteristic black cherry along with notes of nutmeg, tobacco, plum, and grapefruit on the nose. Plush on the palate with blackberry, strawberry preserves, white pepper, and vanilla. Assertive, yet finely-grained tannins complete this elegant Zinfandel.
Cases Produced: 331
2024 Rosato
Dry Rosé, California
Crisp, Refreshing, Versatile…and Irresistible!
Each vintage, Winemaker David Natali, takes on a special project to start out harvest—a classic old-world style dry Rosé. Our Rosato is made primarily from Sangiovese that is harvested at slightly lower sugar levels to ensure refreshing acidity, moderate alcohol, and lighter color. The wine is finished with a small amount of Zinfandel juice taken directly from the fermenter to add a touch of texture, body, and color. Aged without oak, and only in stainless steel, this is a bone-dry style of Rosé that is amazingly versatile with food. We recommend keeping a bottle in the fridge ready to go for a spur-of-the-moment food pairing or refreshing break during spring and summer!
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Bright aromas of jasmine, strawberry and lime zest on the nose with notes of white peach and slate on the palate. Mouthwatering acidity carries the wine through to a refreshing finish. Best enjoyed in the first year of release.
Cases produced: 245