The 2005 Zinfandel Stagecoach Vineyard’s dark ruby color is accompanied by aromas of loamy soil intermixed with licorice, bay leaves, and pepper. It is made in an elegant, straightforward style that finishes a trifle too short to merit a higher rating.Biale, one of the two or three finest Zinfandel producers in California, has done exceptionally well in the 2005 vintage, a mediocre to poor year for this varietal. That speaks loudly about Biale’s abilities as I tasted through nearly 300 Zinfandels, and very few could be recommended. In short, there was not enough heat in the 2005 growing season for Zinfandel to fully ripen.Tel. (707) 257-7555; Fax (707) 257-0105