92 2005 Carlisle Tom Feeney Ranch RRV Zin 6/8/07 ($41)
Planted in 1926, field blend with Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouchet and Grand Noir 15.9% alc
Color: Very deep purple-garnet. A shade or two darker than the Pietro’s. (4.0) Bouquet: Oak-infused Zinberry and tart cherry (not as cough syrupy). Excellent fruit concentration and acidity combined with old-vines, herbal/spice complexity. Well done. (3.5) Body: Coats the mouth with excellent fruit-to-acid-to-oak balance and some tannin. Acidity and alcohol sticks out a little. Light heavyweight plus. (3.0) Flavor: Zinberry, plum and watermelon fruit combine with spicy oak to create an interesting and intense experience. Still needs time to totally open. (3.0) Finish: Parallels flavor, but has some bitterness. (2.5)
Overall: Excellent already, showing a lot of character, a combo of old vines complexity and skillful winemaking, despite its youthful austerity. Give it 2-5 years to calm down. This is, already, what the Pietro’s aspires to be, but will probably never achieve. (16.0)