WTN: 2003 Biale Black Chicken Zinfandel, Napa Valley

16% alcohol
Dense, dark purple-red color with pretty crimson glints on the rim. Nose of cassis and blackberries. Caresses the palate with savory dark berries and a longlasting elegant finish.
Once again the fruit essence conceals the high alcohol and there is no heat or burn from start to finish. Some fine tannins do not detract but go well with the broiled ribeye steak and steak sauce.
I have one more bottle of this vintage to anticipate. A hearty thumbs up.

[Jenise]

JC, Biale makes some of the classiest zins in California, and as you probably know they age wonderfully. We drank a 95 and a 98 in the last year which were good, though I think these wines are best at about five years out.

Jenise, I'm on the mailing list now and have a Monte Rosso Zin on order as well as their Petite Sirah and one other offering. I have limited experience with their wines so will follow your recommendation and hold some of the future vintages for at least five years (possibly not the other bottle of the 2003 Black Chicken however as I am tempted to share it with friends at an offline coming up in October).

Jenise, do you think some of their wines might be spooofulated!!!?