The 2009 Zinfandel Old Kraft Vineyard is another dark, powerful wine. The aromatic and flavor profile gravitates towards the brooding side of things. Black cherries, tar, smoke and licorice take hold of the palate and never let up in this striking Zinfandel. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. This lineup from Biale is full of fabulous wines. The Zinfandels in particular are well worth seeking out.Tel. (707) 257-7555

From a parcel of vines planted in 1883, the 2007 Zinfandel Old Kraft Vineyard in St. Helena (unfortunately a limited production cuvee of 260 cases) offers up whiffs of herbs, pepper, incense, and blue and red fruits. Full-bodied, generous, round, and far more expressive (unusually so) on the palate than in the aromatics, this wine is loaded. It is at a somewhat paradoxical state of evolution with the nose shut down, but the flavors exuberant and full-bodied. It should evolve for 7-8 years. This is a beautiful portfolio of wines from Robert Biale Vineyards. The Stagecoach Vineyard is a large parcel nearly 500 acres on the hillsides above Oakville.Tel. (707) 257-7555