2016 Carlisle Zinfandel Mancini Ranch
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Tasting notes
Another awesome Zinfandel blend from Mike, the 2016 Zinfandel Mancini Ranch is 85% Zinfandel and the rest a mix of assorted varieties, from vines planted in 1922, all aged in 21% new French oak. Crème de cassis, plums, cedary spice, and crushed flowers notes, medium to full body, fine, elegant tannin, and an ethereal, seamless texture all make for a thrilling, awesome wine that can be drunk anytime over the coming decade or more. Winemakers Mike Officer and Jay Maddox have hit pay dirt with these latest 2016s and across the board, they’re the finest set of releases I’ve tasted from this estate. While Mike’s wines are always deeply colored and powerful, the more elegant, balanced style of the 2016 vintage is front and center and these 2016s just glide over the palate, with perfectly integrated fruit, tannin, and acidity. In addition, most are approachable today given their purity of fruit, yet they’re going to evolve beautifully on their balance. Hats off to the team here and readers should not miss these wines!
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A blend of 85% Zinfandel and 15% mixed black varieties from vines planted in 1922, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Zinfandel Mancini Ranch is scented of black plums, black cherries and exuberant red cherries accented with touches of dried mulberries, garrigue and spice cake plus a waft of potpourri. Full-bodied and full-on bold in the mouth, it has a firm frame of chewy tannins and great freshness supporting the intense fruit, finishing long and spicy. 325 cases produced.
The 2016 Zinfandel Mancini Ranch is pliant, supple and inviting. The flavors are bright and lively, which is so typical of the wines from this district. The Mancini Ranch is not quite as complex as some of the other wines in this range. In exchange, though, it will drink well with minimal cellaring. The blend is 85% Zinfandel and approximately 15% mixed blacks.