Montafi Vineyard Zinfandel

2014. A lot of prune. Hint of blackberry fruit but more leather and tobacco . Did not age that well but still a nice wine.

Over the hill despite being aged at 55 since I got it. Still drinkable but declining fast.

Flirts with Zin perfection. This has elegance, with concentrated, deep and fresh strawberry, currants and blueberries with exceptional acidity; a silky and lithe texture.

Incredible Zin. Best Carlisle yet.

Big concentrated fruit with an anise/licorice edge. Nicely structured to age a few years.

Saline with air. Doesn’t show 15%. Paired w bbq pork ribs.

It’s a Zinfandel from Carlisle. What do you expect? One of the top producers of this variety in all of the country. 

Does need some time but delicious now. Cherry raspberry, spice, pepper, wet stone, sappy texture

Very young powerful example of the varietal. Great concentration without being heavy. Beautiful acid line making the blue and black fruits reflect cranberry tones. Killer spice component and firm tannin holds everything together. This winery is batting 1000 with me.

For me, the 2012 Zins from Carlisle are just starting to lose a half-step from their peak. Don’t get me wrong - there’s plenty left in them to enjoy. They just don’t have the same energy, the exuberance that they had a year ago.