92+ 2014 Carlisle Saitone Ranch Zinfandel (Russian River Valley) 10/8/16 ($47)
97% Zinfandel, 3% Mixed Blacks (Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Petit Bouschet) 295cases 14.7% alc
Color: Deep black cherry garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Concentrated tart cranberry and cherry with lively briar and cooking spices. (3.5) Body: Solid middleweight to light heavyweight with excellent fruit and acidity. Has a smooth, tangy mouthfeel. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet with laser-like, distinctive, tart fruit, minerality and oily herb flavors. (3.5) Finish: Parallels flavor, but youthful acidity is a little austere at present. (3.0)
Overall: Laser-sharp, acidity-propelled fruit flavors of cranberry and cherry, being quite tart, yet sweet and rich at the same time. These flavors are complemented by briar and oily cooking herbs. This is Zinfandel through and through, but could only be made in the Russian River. Those who say that Zin is too ripe, too sweet, too high in alcohol need to try a lean beauty like this. Very tasty now with a decanting, but should smooth and fill in with 3-5 years bottle age. (16)
Copyright © 2006 - 2016, Paul DeRose , WineOutpost.com