Robert Biale Vineyards

2008 Collins Vineyard Zinfandel
St. Helena, Napa Valley

The Old is New.

Taking the scenic drive north past the town of St. Helena you will encounter on your left the Old Bale Mill, the historic restored landmark that was in its heyday the center of upvalley commerce. On the right, you will pass another historic site – Bill and Kathy Collins’ vineyard. The five acre patch of 80 year old vines that was planted by Fred Dimingos in 1923 and still exists here is a Zinfandel survival story.

Bill, who started Conn Creek Winery in 1973, had bought the 55 acres of stony/gravelly vineyards on Big Tree Road in 1966, planting new vineyards including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Thirty years later, around 1996 terrible news hit the valley that phylloxera was spreading among vineyards that were newly planted on roots that had been thought to be resistant. Not the case with the Collins’ old vine Zinfandel. Early growers who planted Zinfandel used a rootstock called St. George, prizing it for its water-seeking roots, ability to be dry-farmed, and resistance to disease.

So, when the Collins replanted their vineyards starting in 1998 they kept five acres of the old vine Zinfandel that today is still going strong.

We are proud to have a hand along with the Collinses and Bennessere Winery in sustaining these historic low-yielding old vines.

Classic St. Helena cherry, plum, berry, raspberry red fruits predominate with typical soft, sexy, elegant tannins, fresh acidity, a little mineral and spice and wonderful affinity for sipping with grilled or spicy foods.

Will improve over 2-3 years.



	Bill Collins