Jani, I feel your pain....I have been blessed to sample some AMAZING mangoes this year (and a few last year). Was blown away by: fruit punch, sweet tart, maha chanok, seacrest, coconut cream, PPK (Lemon merengue), angie, edgar, orange sherbet, and Gary. In addition, I have had many great tasting varieties like PSM, Juliette, Guava, val carrie etc.
I had LZ at the PBRFC in addition to the other Heavy hitter mangoes. It didn't even get recognized when recalling later. Upon reflecting back, I had good things to say about FP, PPK, CC, E-4, Juliette, K-3, Karen Michelle, Spirit of 76, but couldn't think of much for LZ except for 1. must not have been ripe 2. glad I didn't force myself to eat more.
I have had 3 fruits from different places, and all have been: meh. Now, like Jani, I am willing to be won over in time, and willing to admit it may not have been ripe/may have been a poor-quality fruit (internal breakdown)/may not be a goos year for LZ. But, I really can't see how this is the undisputed GOAT. Coconut cream, fruit punch, sweet tart, providence, maha chanok all have a right to vy for top spot in my book. As far as LZ, I don't want to dis Earl the Goat with such superlatives
The positive was that the wife enjoyed them, so at least my 2 trees won't go to waste, though one may need top-working if this trend (of not being top-tier to my tastes) continues after sampling more next year.
Totally hoping that I am somehow wrong and I will come back here to eat crow. Until then, Viva Fruit Punch!!!