89+ 2007 Carlisle Rossi Ranch Sonoma Valley Zin 4/18/09 ($34(pre-release)/$40(retail))
99% Zinfandel, 1% Alicante Bouschet 15.1% alc
Color: Medium deep purple garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: High acidity propelling very ripe boysenberry and wild Zinberry with some heat. (3.0) Body: Heavyweight with excellent fruit and acidity. Some heat. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but not as forward with some cedar. (3.0) Finish: Parallels flavor with some bitterness, chalky acidity and black pepper lingering. (2.5)
Overall: Has lively, concentrated wild berry fruit supported by chalky acidity and some tannin. Acidity and some heat stick out at present and need time to integrate. Has the potential to improve in the next 2-5 years. If drinking now, decant for 2-3 hours. (14.5)