2016 Carlisle Zinfandel Papera Ranch, USA, California, Sonoma, Russian River, Wine Review

My favorite Carlisle wine, and that is really saying something.  There is something about this vineyard that just does it.  It has a lot to do with texture although the other aspects are great too.  And every vintage, Mike Officer seems to do better and better though 2016 might be hard to beat.  Purple in color.  The nose has black raspberries, black cherries, tobacco and spice.  On the palate, this is lush and enveloping while being precise and concentrated.  Notes of black raspberries and blueberries over a dry tobacco and earth along with a nice peppery quality.  Great balance and a long finish.  Drinks so well on its own, but this will work well with medium and bigger foods especially if they have some spiciness to it.  Fantastic.