EWG does Zins and Sliders @ Conrad's

A great night with a solid line up wines. I expected there to be a few more unpleasant things going on but I ended being pretty happy with most of the wines. The champagnes showed nicely 1996 Ruinart being the star. The 06 Carlisles were a bit of a miss for me with 1 being slightly corked and the other being too ripe, heavy and oaky. My palate was fairly shot by the final flight so my recall is not good but I did think the Linne Calodos were tasty and I wouldn't mind trying on another occasion. The Martinelli showed exactly what happens when you go way over ripe, pruny and alcoholic. After a few years its all about the alcohol. This seemed about 3 to 4 years past its prime.

• 1978 Shenandoah Vineyards Zinfandel 89 Points

  USA, California, Sierra Foothills, Amador County

  This was a nice treat. As Cris mentioned it might have fallen off quickly but right out of the bottle I thought this was very enjoyable. The shinning point for me was the front palate. Still showing fresh bright fruit which was still zin tasty. The finish was short and not too appealing but I could overlook that at this stage.

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• 1991 Ridge Lytton Springs 93 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley

  Seems like this was near the top for most peoples favorites list. It was for me. Showing younger than the 94 Gyserville. I like where this was at. Bright red fruits seemed to be the primary force but now it is bringing in some secondary elements. No sign of falling apart or going down hill but I would drink now.

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• 1994 Ridge Geyserville 89 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County

  Big difference to the 91 Lytton, having more rustic and aged qualities. Maybe the purity of the 91 accentuated the slightly muddled quality of this wine. Still very good but walking the line of beginning to sing out of tune.

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• 1997 Ravenswood Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard 91 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley

  Around 1997 is when I tapered off my Zin buying as they seemed to be getting more over ripe, heavier and hotter. I suspect this was very ripe and a bit hot when young but it seems to have walked that line just fine. Not heavy or pruney. The acids were bright and sweet rather than tart. Very good.

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• 2003 Carlisle Zinfandel Rossi Ranch 87 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley

  This did not do much for me within the line up. Lacked the acid to wake up the fruit and break through its creamy quality. Enjoyable but I missed the fruit. With the lack of acid I can't see this getting better.

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• 2003 Carlisle Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  A big and ripe Zin with no heaviness and not too much heat. Still showing very young and has the acid to keep it going. This was one of my favorites. Great with food too. Seems like a drink one now and save one for 6-8 more years type wine.

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• 2007 Carlisle Zinfandel Papera Ranch 91 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  A big switch after the older wines. A bit of a shock with the big candied fruit hit me. Big ripe zin that is a little jammy. Showing dark berries and oak. Nice structure and the alcohol seemed under control. Good now for some hedonism but I think this should transition just fine if you are looking for something a little more subtle.

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• 2007 Carlisle Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  Seems like the Carlisle Vineyard is one I should pay attention when it comes to Carlisle zins. I liked this wine. Big ripe red raspberry and a fairly thick mouthfeel. This also had a brambly/spice that created a complex wine. The acidity keep everything fresh and preventing the wine from becoming fatiguing. Good structure. A drink some save some wine.

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