Carlisle Zinfandel Russian River Valley Montafi Ranch 2018

95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Another Russian River Valley release, the 2018 Zinfandel Montafi Ranch (89% Zinfandel and 11% other assorted varieties) is another 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, and I suspect is going to evolve for at least a decade. Drink: 2020-2030. (5/21/20)"

92-95 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2018 Zinfandel Montafi Ranch is another compelling wine in this range from Carlisle. 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. The 11% mixed blacks add quite a bit of character. (Apr 2020)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "Balances structure and a jammy personality, with blackberry, smoked pepper, licorice and bay leaf flavors that fan out on the finish. Drink now through 2029. 628 cases made. (9/30/20)"

Producer notes: "Very dark garnet-ruby. Blackberries, blackberries, and more blackberries are highlighted by a suggestion of bay laurel and eucalyptus. Full-bodied with flavors of blackberries (no surprise there!), licorice allsorts, and cocoa powder that linger in the long, fruit-filled finish. A wine that really builds with air while in the glass Enjoy this impressively concentrated, old-vine beauty pretty much anytime but it should be best between 2022 and 2028. Alcohol 15.0%. 628 cases produced."