Opened and poured, this showing a thick dark ruby to purple palatte in the glass. Somewhat reticent nose, at agitation yields heat, spice, blackberry and plum. Full body, slightly bitter mouthfeel with simplistic zin notes, plum and slightly oxidized dark berry. A little hot. It would be nice if this were dialed back 2% on the ABV, then I think it would show nicer. At 15.7% ABV, this needs to find the same fruit at a lower more restrained level. Moderate QPR but can find better for sub $25. Further oxidized tar and prune and a bit flabby and hot on day two under vac-u-vin, drink now.
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Had at the Drake for Erica's b-day supper (CAN$94). Nicely done, not jammy or over-oaked. Had nice poise and expression for a Zin, paired well with a variety of plates.
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Probably the least favorite Biale wine I've had. Took over an hour for the alcohol to blow over. Way overpowering on the nose and the first sips. Fruit was fine, but didn't give a real sense of place or of the varietal. Can't really recommend.
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Biale comes through again. Popped & poured at restaurant. Dark, glass staining color. Nose was pure fruit, in a good way. Initially some heat for the first 15 minutes or so but that blew off and revealed loads of ripe dark fruit, some strawberry and sweet raspberries. If you like ripe, full zins this is a great choice.
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Fairly straightforward very well balanced and structured Zin with the usual berries and spice aromas and flavors. Drank over 3 days and held up excellently over all 3 without much change. Just got smoother as the tannins receded.
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11/23/2017 - Nursing a Hangover Likes this wine: 90 Points
Wow. 10yo. Great fruit. Soft tannins
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11/29/2016 - TJK Likes this wine: 90 Points
Good solid effort for their more entry level zin. this was full and bold. Very nice.
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2/24/2013 - Senso-beak wrote: 84 Points
Opened and poured, this showing a thick dark ruby to purple palatte in the glass. Somewhat reticent nose, at agitation yields heat, spice, blackberry and plum. Full body, slightly bitter mouthfeel with simplistic zin notes, plum and slightly oxidized dark berry. A little hot. It would be nice if this were dialed back 2% on the ABV, then I think it would show nicer. At 15.7% ABV, this needs to find the same fruit at a lower more restrained level. Moderate QPR but can find better for sub $25. Further oxidized tar and prune and a bit flabby and hot on day two under vac-u-vin, drink now.
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3/26/2011 - ILTDW wrote: 89 Points
Very good juice.
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10/23/2010 - lumpyelbow wrote: 90 Points
Had at the Drake for Erica's b-day supper (CAN$94). Nicely done, not jammy or over-oaked. Had nice poise and expression for a Zin, paired well with a variety of plates.
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7/13/2010 - rdsboca wrote: 85 Points
Tis is their cuvee. Flat taste, no disctinctive fruit, just red, alcohol before fruit.
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4/8/2010 - kenthargis wrote: 84 Points
Probably the least favorite Biale wine I've had. Took over an hour for the alcohol to blow over. Way overpowering on the nose and the first sips. Fruit was fine, but didn't give a real sense of place or of the varietal. Can't really recommend.
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3/20/2010 - clovercap Likes this wine: 92 Points
Biale comes through again. Popped & poured at restaurant. Dark, glass staining color. Nose was pure fruit, in a good way. Initially some heat for the first 15 minutes or so but that blew off and revealed loads of ripe dark fruit, some strawberry and sweet raspberries. If you like ripe, full zins this is a great choice.
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2/8/2010 - cmr wrote: 90 Points
Fairly straightforward very well balanced and structured Zin with the usual berries and spice aromas and flavors. Drank over 3 days and held up excellently over all 3 without much change. Just got smoother as the tannins receded.
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