92+ 2010 Carlisle Fanucchi-Wood Road Zinfandel (Russian River Valley) 1/30/16 ($46)
87% Zinfandel, 13% Mixed Black Varieties (Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Grand Noir, Peloursin, Syrah) 16.2% alc
Color: Purple-black garnet. (3.5) Bouquet: Smoky cedar, menthol and intense blue-black fruits (blackberry, blueberry, boysenberry, black plum, black fig and stewed black cherry). (3.5) Body: Heavyweight with outstanding fruit and acidity. Lots of smooth tannins underneath with some heat well covered by the rest. Big, silky mouthfeel that coats. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but shows some austerity from heat. Still delicious. (3.0) Finish: Parallels flavor. Long and spicy. (3.0)
Overall: A big, fierce, ripe Zinfandel that does show some heat, but has so much lush, concentrated RRV fruit that you only notice it a little. Nuances of smoky cedar, menthol and eucalyptus complement the intense blackberry, blueberry, boysenberry, black plum, black fig and stewed black cherry fruit. The rich, silky feel that coats your mouth may be my favorite part. A heavyweight and then some, but somehow remains balanced - Carlisle magic. Probably at its best now with a decanting and in the next few years. It will go longer, but the heat may rise to the top as the young fruit calms down. (16.5)
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