TN: 2007 Carlisle Zinfandel Papera Ranch (USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley)

Dale_McClaran · December 20, 2009, 4:53pm

2007 Carlisle Zinfandel Papera Ranch - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (12/20/2009)
Decanted a good hour. Impressively dark, and as whiffs of black and boysenberries swirling up through the decanter, I assumed I would be drinking a heavily laden, black hole of a wine, which was totally A-OK for mission objective Saturday Night. And yes, it did carry a higher PH feel in the mouth, but the word I kept thinking of over and over was ‘zesty’ as a really impressive you had to taste it to believe edge of cool mint tones and smart acidity neatly buffered the rich bounty of zinberry fruit. On the back half were one would expect the tannins to kick in, long waves of exotic spices and vanilla notes kicked in, but this oak was very skillfully utilized. The back of the bottle enlightened that the Papera vines were planted in 1934, leaving with me with romantic memories of a Steinbeck novel. (92 pts.)

Steve_Saxon · December 20, 2009, 5:22pm

Dale McClaran:

2007 Carlisle Zinfandel Papera Ranch - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (12/20/2009)
Decanted a good hour. Impressively dark, and as whiffs of black and boysenberries swirling up through the decanter, I assumed I would be drinking a heavily laden, black hole of a wine, which was totally A-OK for mission objective Saturday Night. And yes, it did carry a higher PH feel in the mouth, but the word I kept thinking of over and over was ‘zesty’ as a really impressive you had to taste it to believe edge of cool mint tones and smart acidity neatly buffered the rich bounty of zinberry fruit. On the back half were one would expect the tannins to kick in, long waves of exotic spices and vanilla notes kicked in, but this oak was very skillfully utilized. The back of the bottle enlightened that the Papera vines were planted in 1934, leaving with me with romantic memories of a Steinbeck novel. (92 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

Dale, I’m sure the people who worked the land in The Grapes of Wrath…didn’t enjoy the grapes as much as you. Nice notes.

Dale_McClaran · December 20, 2009, 5:28pm

For sure Father Saxon, it was a silly little association, but I ran with it. I hope to drink with ya soon - mature Bordeaux naturally & hope you have a great Holiday season!

Steve_Saxon · December 20, 2009, 5:32pm

Thanks Dale, let me know when you want to get together…I’m almost always free.

Happy holidays to you and yours.

Sherr1_Shap1r0 · December 20, 2009, 7:27pm

Saw this at Wine Library . . .

Tom_Gutting · December 21, 2009, 3:07pm

Rocking stuff. I’d like to do this and the Selyem and Novy examples side-by-side. It must be done.