Winemaker Notes
Greeted by the characteristic chaparral note of Stagecoach Vineyard, the wine exhibits additional aromas of violet, thyme, white pepper, and black tea on the nose. Notes of black plum, all spice, slate, and cranberry on the palate. Balanced acidity with moderate tannins derived from the rocky soils from which it grows complete this mountain Zinfandel.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A super-balanced, fresh and acid-driven wine that's tangy and full-bodied but not at all heavy or overly tannic. The only zinfandel to be made from the famous cabernet-heavy Stagecoach Vineyard on a mountain overlooking Napa Valley. A unique wine that's brilliant and memorable. Drink now or hold.
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Wine Spectator
Polished yet muscular at the core, with brooding flavors of blackberry and cherry accented by underbrush, savory mint and river stone tones as this builds toward broad-shouldered tannins. Hands off for now. Best from 2026 through 2035.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2023 Zinfandel Stagecoach Vineyard reveals juicy red and blue fruits, crushed stone, peppery herbs, and violet/orange nuances that develop nicely with time in the glass. Aged nine months in 25% new French oak, it's medium-bodied, juicy, fresh, and focused on the palate, with nicely integrated acidity and fine tannins.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
One of the few Biale Zins to come from relatively young vines, the medium to full-bodied 2023 Zinfandel Stagecoach Vineyard is a tight, taut offering, loaded with bright cherries and raspberries and framed by dusty tannins and mouthwatering acids. Give it another couple of years to loosen up and then drink it over the next several years after that.
Rating: 92+
Unapologetically bold, spice-driven and jammy, Zinfandel has secured its title as the darling of California vintners by adapting well to the state's diverse microclimates and landscapes. Born in Croatia, it later made its way to southern Italy where it was named Primitivo. Fortunately, the imperial nursery of Vienna catalogued specimens of the vine, and it later made its way to New England in 1829. Parading the true American spirit, Zinfandel found a new home in California during the Gold Rush of 1849. Somm Secret—California's ancient vines of Zinfandel are those that survived the neglect of Prohibition; today these vines produce the most concentrated, ethereal and complex examples.
Just northeast of Napa city, Atlas Peak boasts some of Napa Valley’s highest elevation vineyards. Here the intense sunlight coupled with cool, nighttime temperatures produce grapes that are perfectly ripe, balanced and concentrated. The appellation is rich in volcanic soils and excels in the production of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.