In 1942, Aldo Biale and his mother Christina were left to run the family farm in Napa after Pietro Biale died in an industrial accident. To make a little extra money during those lean years, teenaged Aldo began making barrels of Zinfandel from which he would bottle wine for his family and friends in need of good table wine. Aldo’s home phone was on a party line where nosy neighbors could listen in on calls. To maintain privacy. he instituted the code name, “black chicken,” for his wine.

This system of phone call orders for produce, eggs and “black chickens” lasted for decades and even Aldo’s immigrant bride, Clementina, wasn’t in on the code for years.

Today, we bottle this special (and fully legal) Zinfandel from the Biale family and nearby vineyards in memory of the old days. If you live in Napa, there’s still free delivery.

Nice brilliant deep ruby color, silky tannins, bright blackberry, raspberry and juicy cherry fruit; textural round mouthfeel, toasted nuts, allspice, dried herb, and a hint of five-spice.

Drinkable now. Will improve over 3-4 years.