Tasting Note                         

93+   2012  Carlisle  Saitone Zinfandel (Russina River Valley)   10/27/17  ($46)

97% Zinfandel, 3% Mixed Black Varieties (Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Petit Bouschet)   15.7% alc
Color: Deep reddish-garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Intense, tart, musky red cherry, raspberry and cranberry (even tart pineapple) are complemented by subtle, oily herbs. (3.5) Body: Light heavyweight with outstanding fruit, acidity and balance, smooth tannins underneath. Viscous, tangy mouthfeel. (4.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but everything is more expressive. Delicious. (3.5) Finish: Parallels flavor, just shows a slight herbal bitterness that should integrate with more time. (3.0)
Overall: A very complex Old Vines Zinfandel. The musky red fruits are distinctive and intense, but show no heat or sweet ripeness. The oily cooking spices are integrated beautifully with the fruit. Even with all this, the best part may be its structure, having a perfect balance of intense fruit and acidity with smooth tannins underneath. I expect this wine to continue to improve for 3-5 more years, but it's so well put together that it drinks wonderfully right now. A classic Russian River Zinfandel to be reckoned with! (17)

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