93+ 2008 Carlisle Montafi Ranch Zinfandel (Russian River Valley) 2/13/16 ($40)
88% Zinfandel, 12% Mixed Blacks (Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Petite Sirah), 234 cases 14.8% alc
Color: Dense black garnet. (4.0) Bouquet: Eucalyptus, camphor and cooking spices are prominent, complementing blackberry and black raspberry fruit. (3.0) Body: Heavyweight with a rich, silky mouthfeel that coats. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but more intense and lush. (3.5) Finish: Long with loads of secondary nuances, just a little bitterness holds it back. (3.0)
Overall: A seriously intense wine with loads of secondary nuances of eucalyptus, camphor and exotic cooking spices. All of this complements focused blackberry and black raspberry fruit. A heavyweight with a wonderful, lush mouthfeel. This is just starting to approach peak drinking. Decant for several hours for now or give it another 2-5 years. This and the Monte Rosso are the two most ageworthy Zins Carlisle makes. Zin for fans of top notch Syrah or Cabernet? Count me in!!! (17.0)
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