It all started in the 1940's when 14 year-old Aldo Biale helped his mother to make ends meet by selling to insider Napans - along with eggs and produce - some of the family's homemade Zinfandel. Over the old "party line" phone system, the code words "a Black Chicken" signified a jug of bootleg wine...and kept nosy neighbors and the authorities from finding out about Aldo's underground Zinfandel operation.The heart of this wine is sourced from vineyards in the Oak Knoll District, among them the same family vineyard Aldo, Nonna, Bob and the Biale family have farmed their whole lives. Additional sources come from our estate vineyard surrounding the winery, from neighboring growers in the Oak Knoll, as well as from other long-standing winegrowing families in the Napa Valley. Black Chicken stands as the ultimate iconic expression of Zinfandel from the Napa Valley.Showing the influence of the breezy and fog-laced Oak Knoll District, the 2021 vintage offers rich, plush fruit, delicate acidity and a structure defined by well-ripened tannins. Layered notes of black cherry, raspberry, sandalwood, bergamot, cloves, blueberry, and balsam on the nose. Delicate, yet rich with plum compote, violets, and baking spice on the palate. An ideal vintage of the Black Chicken that, with the proper cellaring, will continue to improve for the next 5-7 years. | Biale