Big tasty Zins on Big Ranch Road

It's definitely off the beaten path, and definitely worth the detour from Silverado Trail. Until visiting the winery, I had never tasted any of the Robert Biale wines, but I've seen them on wine lists at high-end resturants.

Robert Biale Vineyards has a facility off of Big Ranch Road; drive slowly or you'll miss the sign like we did. Once you locate it, the tasting room is a cozy wood-paneled room with friendly and attentive staff. We arrived a little after 11 am and had the place to ourselves. Maggie, whose family owns the winery in conjunction with the Biales, poured us 4 different Zinfandels, 2 Petite Sirahs, and a little of their new Port.

I loved the first Zinfandel we tasted--the 2006 "Black Chicken". It was a big and jammy wine, with surprisingly smooth tannins. With layers of blackberry and plumy fruit on the palate, the fruit-driven finish is long and juicy. It lacked the typical spicy quality, but it had the balance and complexity of a Cabernet.

The fourth Zinfandel that Maggie poured for us was even more complex, with a brightness that is uncommon for a Napa Valley Zin. It was a small lot production from their Monte Rosso vineyard. With good acidity and vibrant cherry fruit profile, this wine would make a great accompaniment to any dish--from a burger or steak to a spit-roasted chicken or spaghetti bolognese. If you're a Zinfandel fan (or even if you're not), I highly recommend Robert Biale wines.