92 2008 Carlisle Two Acres (Russian River Valley) 4/24/16 ($43)
79% Mouvedre, 7% PetiteSirah, 6% Syrah, 5% Carignane, 3% AlicanteBouschet 297cases 14.2% alc
Color: Deep black cherry garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Wild blueberry and black cherry fruit with forest-infused Indian spices. Elegant and interesting. (3.5) Body: Solid middleweight with excellent acidity and fruit, subtle smooth tannins underneath. Silky/ tangy mouthfeel. (3.0) Flavor: Delicious. Parallels bouquet. (3.5) Finish: Long and elegant, but not quite as expressive as the flavor. (3.0)
Overall: As usual for this wine, shows elegance and complexity (forestal, Indian spices), complementing pretty fruit (wild blueberry and black cherry) with acidity making it lively. It's difficult to categorize this wine. It's too elegant to be a typical Mouvedre and drinks somewhere in between a Chateauneuf and a cool climate CA Syrah. I also like the long drinking window that this wine demonstrates. Drink now and in the next 5 years. This was actually delicious upon release, but does acquire more elegance and complexity the longer you wait. (16.0)
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