Robert Biale Vineyards

2007 Aldo’s Vineyard
Napa Valley, Oak Knoll Disctrict Zinfandel

Happy 80th Aldo!

The real deal. Salt of the Earth. The genuine article. Nonno. Il Zappatore. Zin Man.

Whatever you call him, Aldo Biale, born on the infamous day of October 24, 1929, is living proof that great things are born from adversity. Hard times can be dealt with and overcome through dedication, resilience, perseverance, persistence, common sense, faith, hope, and love.

What we would call Aldo is one heck of a dedicated farmer, father, husband, grandfather, partner, and champion of Zinfandel.

Because his father had died in a rock quarry accident the day after his 13th birthday, Aldo, an only son, inherited the responsibility of running a farm and vineyard with his mother, Christina. It was to be a life of hard work ultimately rewarded with a strong family and winery that honors tradition and the land.

It was the enterprising teenaged Aldo who, with a notion to make a little extra money in the days shortly after The Great Depression and Prohibition, instituted a code name for customers to use over the party line phone when they ordered up his homemade Zinfandel: “Black Chicken.”

With his bride Clementina, Aldo has worked the family vineyards his entire life, determined to keep his Zinfandel in the ground the whole way, refusing to follow advice to replant to Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay. Aldo’s Vineyard, planted in 1937, lies along Napa’s Jefferson Street in a newly named sub appellation of Napa Valley - the Oak Knoll District (OKD).

It is both ironic and surprising that this spot, quite near where the first Zinfandel was planted in Napa Valley in the 1800’s, is today the oldest Zinfandel vineyard in the district. Flat, cool, breezy, and mild (and now surrounded by newer houses), this hidden vineyard itself is anything but dramatic, and the wine sublime.

Deep, layered, ethereal, and silky, the Aldo’s is appreciated by Zin afficianados for its gentle “pillowy” texture and dark and exotic black fruit character. In a way it is Burgundian, the anti-Zin. The 2007 has it all going on – and then some. Dark black cherry, blackberry jam, cocoa, exotic spices – clove, nutmeg, coriander and anise envelop the palate with gentle tannins and bright acidity. The long finish will only get longer and softer with added years of rest and relaxation. This Zinfandel classic from a top vintage should be on every zinfanatic’s wish list. Only 380 cases made.

And thank you, Aldo, for sticking with Zin.


	Aldo's Vineyard