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2017 Carlisle Montafi Ranch Zinfandel

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

March 3, 2024 - $31

Estimate

RATINGS

98Jeb Dunnuck

...awesome complexity in its dark currants, blackberry, and blueberry fruits as well as notes of ground pepper, crushed violets, smoke earth, and eucalyptus. Deep, full-bodied and powerful on the palate...stays perfectly balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, good acidity, and plenty of elegance...

92The Wine Advocate

...nose of cracked peppercorn, prosciutto, baked blackberries and blackcurrant with blue fruit hints, eucalyptus, sage, dried flowers and exotic spices. Medium-bodied, the palate is silky with restrained fruits, lightly chewy tannins and juicy acidity, finishing long and nuanced.

92Wine Spectator

Expressive raspberry and licorice aromas open to complex but brooding blackberry, smoky pepper and underbrush accents that build tannins toward a long finish.

91-94Vinous / IWC

Dark cherry, tobacco, cedar, menthol, chocolate, licorice and dried herbs all fill out the wine's ample frame.

REGION

United States, California, Sonoma, Russian River Valley

Russian River Valley AVA is named for the river that meanders from Mendocino County in the north until it finally runs into the Pacific Ocean north of San Francisco. The AVA is cool thanks to its proximity to the northern California coast and the river, and grape growers must learn to deal with regular fog. Nevertheless in recent decades the AVA has become one of the best in the state, meaning that its wines often earn excellent reviews and have considerable cachet. The AVA status was awarded in 1983 and today the appellation has 15,000 vineyard acres. Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape though Pinot Noir has also been very successful in recent decades. Russian River Valley Pinot Noir are known for being rich, lush and filled with concentrated fruit and berry flavors. Russian River Pinot Noirs are today considered some of the best domestic Pinot Noirs.

TYPE

Red Wine, Zinfandel

Zinfandel is a black-skinned grape, but 85% of the wine produced is made into a rosy “White Zinfandel.” Red Zin is far more complex and bold, while still being light-bodied. It grows in popularity as winemakers continue to experiment with new styles and blends.