93 2009 Novy Carlisle Vineyard Zinfandel (Russian River Valley) 5/13/16 ($40)
% Zinfandel cases 15.3% alc
Color: Deep black cherry to garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Tart, yet ripe black plum and blackberry with loads of appealing mocha. Slight heat. (3.0) Body: Heavyweight with outstanding fruit concentration, fierce acidity and healthy tannins. Big, but well balanced. Wonderful silky, tangy mouthfeel. (3.5) Flavor: Delicious with fruit more forward and open than bouquet. (3.5) Finish: Best part with the big fruit being the most expresssive here combined with sweet mocha and bitter/sweet nuts. (3.5)
Overall: An outstanding Zinfandel with wonderful, old vines fruit (musky black plum and blackberry). Yet shows a lot of acid and tannin based structure that suggests other more ageworthy varietals in the mix. The bitterness (mocha and nut nuances) combined with sweet/ripeness reminds me of top notch Southern Italian reds, such as Aglianico del Vulture. Also shows a toasted cedar oak component mixed in with the mocha, but the fruit can handle it. Drinking very well now, but could improve in the next 2-4 years. (16.5)
Copyright © 2006 - 2016, Paul DeRose , WineOutpost.com