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2018 Carlisle Montafi Ranch Zinfandel

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

March 10, 2024 - $36

Estimate

RATINGS

95Jeb Dunnuck

...ripe, sexy wine. A sweet bouquet of mulberries, red plums, brambly herbs, cigar, and spice box gives way to a plush, full-bodied, sweetly fruited effort that’s loaded with character and just screams world-class Zinfandel! While it's plush and stacked with fruit, it has good acidity and terrific balance...

93Wine Spectator

Balances structure and a jammy personality, with blackberry, smoked pepper, licorice and bay leaf flavors...

92The Wine Advocate

...nose of blueberries, violet, citrus peel, dried herbs and potpourri with bright bursts of red berry fruit. In the mouth, it's medium-bodied with a firm but ripe frame, dense, floral fruits and juicy pops of freshness to lift the finish.

92-95Vinous / IWC

Ripe red cherry, cedar and sweet tobacco are all beautifully lifted. With a bit of air, the Montafi starts to show its considerable weight and resonance.

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.