95 2010 Carlisle Old Vines Zinfandel (Russian River Valley) 2/18/17 ($45)
50% Carlisle Vineyard, 50% Montafi Ranch 15.9% alc 270 cases
Color: Very deep black cherry garnet. (3.5) Bouquet: Super concentrated Zinberry (boysenberry, huckleberry, black cherry, black berry and black raspberry) explodes out of the glass with animal fur , briar and herbs complementing. Just a hint of heat. (3.0) Body: Heavyweight with fantastic fruit concentration balanced by fierce acidity and loads of healthy tannins. Rich oily mouthfeel. Wow! (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but smoother and more delicious. Gorgeous! (3.5) Finish: Parallels flavor step-for-step. Long and delicious. (3.5)
Overall: This is a great Zinfandel! It's also a truly unique wine, since it's the only blend of these two great Zinfandel vineyards ever produced. 2010 was unkind to both vineyards, yielding so few healthy grapes that Carlisle decided to blend them. All I can say is pure genious!!! A delicious and flamboyant Zin combining the power and structure of Montafi with the complexity and elegance of Carlisle. Drinking great already, but might get even better in the next 2-4 years. (17)
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