2018 Carlisle Zinfandel Montafi Ranch
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Zinfandel Montafi Ranch has a medium ruby-purple color and a nose of blueberries, violet, citrus peel, dried herbs and potpourri with bright bursts of red berry fruit. In the mouth, it's medium-bodied with a firm but ripe frame, dense, floral fruits and juicy pops of freshness to lift the finish. 628 cases produced.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Another Russian River Valley release, the 2018 Zinfandel Montafi Ranch (89% Zinfandel and 11% other assorted varieties) is another ripe, sexy wine. A sweet bouquet of mulberries, red plums, brambly herbs, cigar, and spice box gives way to a plush, full-bodied, sweetly fruited effort that’s loaded with character and just screams world-class Zinfandel! While it's plush and stacked with fruit, it has good acidity and terrific balance, and I suspect is going to evolve for at least a decade.
The 2018 Zinfandel Montafi Ranch is another compelling wine in this range from Carlisle. Ripe red cherry, cedar and sweet tobacco are all beautifully lifted. With a bit of air, the Montafi starts to show its considerable weight and resonance. The 11% mixed blacks add quite a bit of character.