Tasting Note                         

88+    2005 Carlisle Pietro’s Ranch RRV Zin    6/8/07 ($35)

Pietro Barbieri’s Ranch, field blend with Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouchet, Grand Noir, Carignane, Grenache and Syrah    15.9% alc
Color: Very deep, purple-framboise. (3.5) Bouquet: Bright, tart cherry (like cough syrup in a good way). Excellent concentration and acidity. Could use more complexity. (3.0) Body: Light heavyweight with very good fruit and a healthy dose of oak, but alcohol and young chalky acidity stick out at present. Coats the mouth a little. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but the fruit is more candied with austere heat. (2.0) Finish: Long, but not big. It has some bitter oak and alcohol, but still puts it together better here than in the flavor. (2.5)
Overall: This shows high quality and winemaker skill, with concentrated, interesting fruit, but lacks balance (too much alcohol and acidity) and complexity. Nonetheless, this is ripe and tasty and should improve if the alcohol and chalky acidity can calm down a bit. Somewhere in there I detect elegance, hopefully, it will get a chance to come out with time. (14.0)