95 2008 Carlisle Papera Ranch Zinfandel (Russian River Valley) 2/20/16 ($45)
93% Zinfandel, 7% Carignane 349cases 14.9% alc
Color: Deep garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Wild Zinberry (boysenberry, blackberry and black cherry) with extra spice (briar and clove). (3.5) Body: Heavyweight with more tannic structure than the '07. Outstanding fruit and acidity. (3.5) Flavor: Delicious, spicy old vines fruit with impressive concentration. (3.5) Finish: Long and forceful, but not quite as pretty as the flavor in the mouth. Intense. (3.5)
Overall: Another great Papera. The old vines fruit is not quite as pretty and expressive as the '07 Papera, but this vintage has more tannic structure and power. Also more spicy with loads of briar, clove and other cooking spices. Very concentrated, beautifully structured and perfectly balanced. Probably at its best now, with the youthful fruit still vibrant and the structure having had enough time to integrate. Drink now and in the next few years. It will go longer, but you'll probably lose the intense fruit. (17)
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