92 2014 Carlisle Russian River Valley Zinfandel 2/18/18 ($30)
29% Banfield Ranch, 24% Saitone Ranch, 22% Carlisle Vineyard, 14% Montafi Ranch, 11% Papera Ranch 15.0% alc 759cases
Color: Deep cherry garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Tart red cherries and raspberries complemented by eucalyptus and dried herbs, propelled by young acidity. (3.5) Body: Solid middleweight with excellent acidity and fruit. Tangy. somewhat silky mouthfeel. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but fruit is even more tasty. (3.5) Finish: Parallels flavor, but a little tart. Acidity needs time to calm down a little. (3.0)
Overall: Classic Russian River style, being elegant with zippy red fruit and interesting herbal complexity. The racy acidity should keep it this good for 3-5 years and it might even improve. A Zin built more like a Pinot. A great food wine that's also a crowd pleaser, even for Zin haters. (16)
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