2014 Carol Shelton Wines Zinfandel Karma Reserve Red

Community Tasting Notes (5) Avg Score: 92 points

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  8/12/2018 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 93 Points

  ZAP:STORIES FROM SONOMA COUNTY. nose of jammy fruit, black berry, floral notes, same on the palate, tasty, big body, fairly fruit forward, lovely fruit, rich fruit, very tasty fruit, mouth filling fruit, juicy fruit, peak drinking now, great QPR, and a long finish.

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  3/27/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 92 Points

  Used to be that a vintage of Carol Shelton would be hit-or-miss, with a few QPR standouts and the rest coming in at various levels of drinkable. She's killing it with the last few vintages though, and it's more than just the great raw material CA has given her to work with lately. The current lineup doesn't haven't a single weak spot (that I can find, anyway), and includes several wines that compete with far more expensive/respected ones. This wine is a good example of that (outdoes the Prisoner for half the price, and could even hold its own with entry-level Bedrocks or Carlisles), as is the 2016 Coquille Blanc, which is by far the best domestic white Rhone blend under $40 that I've had in the past few years.
  
  Initial impressions are classic zin -- crackly red fruit, licorice, briar, cinnamon powder, mocha. But there's another, lighter, dimension with purple flowers, orange zest, and cranberry. Perhaps from the viognier? Regardless, a terrific blend that doesn't quit. 14.5% abv which is reasonable for the style. $30 SRP, but paid about $23. Should hold its form for another five to eight year. A gem.

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  1/18/2018 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 92 Points

  ZAP TRADE TASTING, nose of jammy fruit, black berry, floral notes, same on the palate, tasty, big body, fairly fruit forward, lovely fruit, rich fruit, intense fruit, juicy fruit, touch simple but at $25 you should buy a case, great QPR, long finish.

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  8/13/2017 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 91 Points

  ZAP Simply Summer Celebration, nose of black cherry, mocha, and allspice, same on the palate, medium/big body, tasty, lovely fruit, showing well today, but I like the Rockpile better, long finish.

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  2/23/2017 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 92 Points

  ZAP TRADE TASTING, nose of black fruit, black berry, allspice, and a touch of plum, same on the palate, big body, very tasty, mouth filling fruit, needs 2 years to peak, long, flavorful finish.

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