This bold, deep red is gorgeous with dark-fruit flavors and wrapped in velvety tannins, showing blackberries, dark chocolate, baked plums, hints of black pepper and cloves. The most widely available of Biale's wines. Drink now.

The 2024 Zinfandel Black Chicken is a total delight. Soft, aromatic and fruity, the Black Chicken has a lot to offer. Black cherry, plum, sweet spice, cedar and tobacco are nicely pushed forward. This is one of the more accessible wines in the lineup.- Antonio Galloni

(91+ points) Robert Biale's 2024 Zinfandel Black Chicken is a blend of lots—including estate fruit—from different parts of Napa, matured in just over 20% new French oak. At this youthful stage, it's tight and cedary, but there's a core of mixed berries and cherries within, along with a hint of mocha. It's medium- to full-bodied and silky in feel, but those tannins become more prominent on the finish. Give it a couple of years to unwind and it could really impress.- Joe Czerwinski