2011 Carlisle Zinfandel RRV Carlisle Vyd (Varietal/Style / Reds / Zinfandel)

94pts(IWC)(88% zinfandel and the rest a blend of "over 37" varieties, chiefly alicante bouschet, petite sirah, grand noir, peloursin, trousseau, tempranillo, nuscadell, malvasia and muscat; from vines that were planted in 1927; 15.8% alcohol): Inky purple. Heady scents of black raspberry, boysenberry, incense and candied violet, along with subtle notes of black pepper and olive tapenade. This smells a lot like syrah. Lush, spicy and expansive, offering powerful black and blue fruit compote flavors and exotic floral and spice qualities. Clings impressively on the youthfully tannic finish, repeating the blue fruit and floral notes. Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar