2009 Robert Biale Zinfandel Black Chicken

The 2009 Zinfandel Black Chicken shows off gorgeous mid-palate richness in its black cherries, menthol, licorice and sweet spices. There is more than enough vibrancy and depth to allow the wine to drink beautifully for at least a handful of years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. This lineup from Biale is full of fabulous wines. The Zinfandels in particular are well worth seeking out. Tel. (707) 257-7555

(15.8% alcohol): Bright, dark red. Back cherry, pepper, spices and a whiff of orange peel on the nose. Lush, sweet and glyceral, with noteworthy purity and intensity to the ripe black cherry and dark berry flavors. At once rich and firm, offering an attractive balance of fruit ripeness, sweetness and shape. Finishes silky and long, with very fine-grained tannins. I like this harmonious zin's balance of sweetness and acidity.