91+ 2011 Carlisle DuPratt Zinfandel (Mendocino Ridge) 8/15/14 ($40)
100% Zinfandel 15.1% alc 191cases
Color: Deep black cherry with hints of purple. (3.0) Bouquet: White pepper, minty menthol and briary spice are prevalent, combined with pretty, tart red berry fruit and minerality. Lean and precise. (3.5) Body: Solid middleweight to light heavyweight with fierce acidity at the fore and nice fruit and subtle tannins underneath. Well balanced with a tangy, somewhat silky mouthfeel. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but fruit is a bit restrained. Interestingly spicy with hints of blueberry in the mix. (3.0) Finish: Parallels flavor with slight youthful austerity. (3.0)
Overall: A cool climate Zinfandel with interesting spice being more prevalent than the lean, yet precise, red berry and blueberry fruit. All this is propelled by fierce youthful acidity. Well balanced to develop nicely over the next 3-5 years. (15.5)
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