95 2014 Carlisle DuPratt Zinfandel (Mendocino Ridge) 12/8/18 ($47)
100% Zinfandel 15.0% alc 405cases
Color: Very deep ruby garnet. (3.5) Bouquet: Chalky mineral, cooking herbs, orange rind and maple syrup nuances complement wild Zinberry fruit (cranberry, red cherry, raspberry and blueberry). Very expressive. (3.5) Body: Light heavyweight with outstanding fruit and acidity. Well balanced with a very tangy, lively mouthfeel. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet. (3.5) Finish: Long and delicious, possibly even more expressive and precise than the bouquet. (3.5)
Overall: This is surprisingly, my favorite of the '14 Carlisle Zins, even surpassing both Papera and Montafi at this point. It's still youthfully fierce (mostly due to acidity) and will benefit from 3-6 years bottle age, but the distinctive fruit, minerals and herbs are so precise and expressive that it can be enjoyed now. (17.5)
Copyright © 2006 - 2018 Paul DeRose , WineOutpost.com