2006 Russian River Valley "Carlo's Ranch" Zinfandel
98% Zinfandel
2% Carignane
In the past, I have described Carlo's Ranch as a more elegant, red-fruited wine compared to our own estate Zinfandel. But in 2006, the 72 year-old vines at Carlo’s Ranch put the pedal to the metal, producing a Zinfandel every bit as bold and intense as our Carlisle Vineyard Zinfandels. Picked October 24th, yields were barely 1.3 tons to the acre. Fermented indigenously and aged in all French oak, 28% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Dark ruby-red. Powerful, deep aromas of black raspberry, fig, and Christmas spice (cardamom, clove, cinnamon – I’m reminded of gløgg, the Danish spiced mulled wine served during the holidays). Very full-bodied but with plenty of laser-like acidity to keep the wine fresh and lively on the palate. Optimum drinking should be from early-2009 through 2013. (MRO – 10/30/08)