96 2012 Carlisle Papera Ranch Zinfandel (Russian River Valley) 1/10/16 ($46)
96% Zinfandel, 4% Carignane 660cases 15.4% alc
Color: Deep purple ruby. (3.5) Bouquet: Musky black cherry, boysenberry and raspberry. Very distinctive with subtle briary spice and marzipan. (3.5) Body: Heavyweight with outstanding fruit concentration and racy acidity with smooth tannins underneath. Silky/tangy mouthfeel. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet step-for-step. Delicious with no rough edges. (3.5) Finish: Long and vibrant with subtle Indian spices in the mix. Exotic fruit and spice. (3.5)
Overall: A full-bodied Papera with outstanding fruit concentration and exotic nuances of Indian and briary spices and marzipan. Perfectly balanced with enough smooth tannins underneath to enable 3-6 years of staying power and might even improve. It's so delicious now though that it's hard to resist after a couple of hours in a decanter. (17.5)
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