93 2009 Carlisle Martinelli Road Zinfandel (Russian River Valley) 11/22/15 ($45)
100% Zinfandel 15.8% alc
Color: Very deep purple garnet. (3.5) Bouquet: Medicinal herb, mocha and briar complement ripe, creamy, concentrated Zinberry fruit. (3.0) Body: Rich, silky mouthfeel with amazing balance for its size and level of ripeness. Outstanding fruit, excellent acidity and smooth tannins underneath. Heavyweight. (3.5) Flavor: Delicious, creamy Zinberry comes to the fore. (3.5) Finish: Parallels bouquet with excellent length. (3.0)
Overall: A ripe, delicious RRV Zinfandel. For its size and alcohol content, it is impressively balanced with RRV lushness. Has interesting medicinal herb and spice nuances. It's got plenty of life left, but with all that ripeness can it remain balanced as it ages? This may have been at its best upon release. I like it a lot, but not the best food wine. (16.5)
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