92 2012 Carlisle Kirschenmann Vineyard Zinfandel (Lodi) 11/1/14 ($34)
100% Zinfandel 15.3% alc
Color: Deep red/black cherry. (3.0) Bouquet: Herbal/sweet Vidalia onion and elegant, flowery fruit. Subtle briar and slight alcoholic spiciness. (3.0) Body: Excellent acidity and fruit. Middleweight. Silky mouthfeel. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet with more elegance and sweetness. Very pretty with vanilla highlights. (3.5) Finish: Long and flowery with silky elegance. (3.5)
Overall: You can drink this now while waiting for Carlisle's more ageworthy Zins to come around. Silky elegance with vanilla-infused, sweet/tart cherry fruit. Its weight and elegance make it drink more like an Oregon Pinot or an elegant Chianti Classico than a Zin, but shows pretty Zin fruit. Best Lodi Zin I've ever tasted! Drink now and in the next 5 years. (16.0)
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