2021 Robert Biale Zinfandel Stagecoach Vineyard
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Tasting notes
From relatively young vines by Zinfandel standards (this block was planted to heritage selections in 1999), Biale's 2021 Zinfandel Stagecoach Vineyard features a fun mix of red raspberries and blackberries, with hints of citrus and black tea in the mix. Aged similarly to the other Zins in the lineup (10 months in French oak, 25% new), it shows the cedary wood a bit more, and combined with the site's inherent structure, the resulting tannins are a bit firm at the moment. Give it another year or two.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Full bottle 1,326 g. Deep purple. Layered blood-orange-rind and blackberry jam, with a dash of raspberry vinegar adding a pleasant lift. Mouth-watering acidity contrasted by chewy tannins and dense fruit on the palate. This wine is much weightier than the other Zins in the portfolio. Likely better with more time to integrate acid and tannins. (SCJ)
From a terrific site on Pritchard Hill, the 2021 Zinfandel Stagecoach Vineyard is deeper hued and has a more substantial, structured style in its darker red and blue fruits, peppery herbs, violets, and orange blossom aromatics. I love its purity, it's medium-bodied, has fine tannins, and great finish. This is one smoking good Zinfandel.