Zinfandel

Carlisle Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2003 $29.99USD
95% Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, Teldeschi Ranch, 3% Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah, Unti Vineyard, 1% Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah, Teldeschi Ranch, 1% Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah, Riebli Ranch.

Cherry red with pink edge. Rich and ripe with spices and cherry notes. Mouth filling and yet soft and supple caress to the palate. Very well balanced with fine tannins and tingling acidity followed by a lengthy finish. 2, 2, 4.1, 10.2 = 18.3/20, 91/100. 15.9% alcohol. Tasted June 29, 2005

Carlisle Sonoma County Zinfandel 2003 $23.99USD
50% Russian River Valley Zinfandel, Barbieri Ranch, 27% Russian River Valley Zinfandel, Fava Ranch, 10% Russian River Valley Alicante Bouschet, Tom Feeney Ranch, 13% Sonoma County Petite Sirah, Riebli Ranch.

Cherry red with pink edge. Layered complexity of cherry, blueberry and plum. Full bodied and well balanced with excellent display of flavors on the palate. Plenty of acidity, firm tannins and a lingering finish illustrate the quality of this wine. At 24 hours still big and powerful with vibrant acidity and excellent carry of flavors onto the palate. 2, 2, 4.2, 10.2 = 18.4/20, 92/100. 15.8% alcohol. Tasted June 21, 2005.

De Loach Zinfandel Russian River Valley, Barbieri Ranch 1998 $17.99USD
A pronounced developed bouquet of stew quince against a background cola note, opening to fruitcake, licorice and molasses. Full bodied and very well balanced with a good core of tannins and clean acidity. The flavors carry wonderfully onto the palate for a lengthy finish. Opened on Friday night, the remaining half bottle has been sitting under vacuum until tonight (Sunday). It is still rich and layered in complexity, almost rancio in character. A delight! With cheese it seems softer and suppler than on opening but still with pleasant acidity and a lengthy finish. 2, 2, 4.4, 10.4 = 18.8, 94/100, 15.5% alcohol. Tasted June 10-12, 2005.