91+ 2011 Carlisle Hayne Vineyard Zinfandel (Napa Valley) 7/18/14 ($48)
100% Zinfandel 16.0 % alc 215 cases
Color: Black purple garnet. Dense for Zin. (3.5) Bouquet: Concentrated blackberries, boysenberries and cassis. Ripe yet controlled with some heat. (3.0) Body: Rich silky mouthfeel that coats beautifully. Excellent fruit, acidity and smooth tannins. Heavyweight plus, more like a big Syrah. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but more delicious. Rich. (3.0) Finish: Parallels flavor, but shows more heat here. (3.0)
Overall: This is what many would describe as a high-octane Zin, a la Turley, but for its size and alcohol it is surprisingly balanced. Delicious, ripe black fruits (Blackberries, boysenberries and cassis) are countered by acidity and tannins. Impressive, but not nearly as interesting as the Mourvedre I drank next to it. Two very different wines for very different crowds. Drinks well now if you don't mind the heat, but needs 3-5 years to totally integrate and calm down a bit. Decant at lunch to drink at dinner. (16.0)
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