92 2007 Carlisle Carlisle Vineyard Zinfandel (Russian River Valley) 5/9/10 ($40)
14.8% alc, planted by Alcide Pelletti in 1927, field blend w. Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet & Grand Noir, 550 cases
Color: Very deep purple garnet. (3.5) Bouquet: Rich, elegant grapy blackberry and mint with briar and a little milk chocolate. Slightly restrained. (3.0) Body: Excellent fruit with a perfect balance of acidity and tannin underneath. Light heavyweight, yet so elegant it doesn't seem heavy. Coats the mouth. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet with briary spice coming forward. (3.0) Finish: Parallels flavor, but more open, long and distinctive. Showing impressive old vines character. The subtle mint nuance lingers here. (3.5)
Overall: A very elegant, top-notch RRV Zin. Seemlessly smooth even now, but also has the structure to improve in the next 3-5 years. The pure, blackberry old vines fruit is impressive with subtle briar and mint complementing. The purity of the old vines character is somewhat reminiscent of Ridge's Pagani Ranch, but this is more elegant and restrained. Very drinkable and delicious right now, but should become more rich and giving with a little time. (16.5)
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