92+ 2011 Carlisle Montafi Ranch Zinfandel (Russian River Valley) 10/12/18 ($45)
88% Zinfandel, 12% Mixed Blacks (Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Petite Sirah, Peloursin, Trousseau Noir) 15.4% alc 678cases
Color: Deep red garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Black raspberry, tart black cherry and cranberry sauce fruit are complemented by menthol, eucalyptus and cooking herbs. Interesting. (3.5) Body: Light heavyweight with fierce acidity, excellent fruit and smooth tannins. Very tangy, acidity-driven mouthfeel. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but not as giving. (3.0) Finish: Long and somewhere in-between the austere flavor and the interesting bouquet. (3.5)
Overall: An excellent RRV Zin with the potential to become outstanding. Surprisingly youthful in flavor, the fierce acidity still needs another 2-4 years to calm down and allow everything to come together. This very cool vintage shows mostly red fruit and its structure is very food friendly. I'd say wait another 2 years at least and will probably go another 5 if not longer. Not a typical vintage for Montafi, but still a unique wine. (16)
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