Description

Rarely if EVER, do I have an opportunity to secure any wine’s from Mike Officer’s now famous and coveted Carlisle Winery & Vineyards in Sonoma.  Ironic because Mike has purchased wine from me!!  Most everything Mike produces is gobbled up by his thirsty mailing list diehards.

We are again fortunate to offer you the new 2021 vintage of Carlisle Zinfandel from it’s historical heritage estate vineyard.  A beautiful liquid briar patch of a wine!  Bring on the bbq’d tri-tip!

All of the farming is certified sustainable.  This dry farmed heritage vineyard was planted back in 1927 on the eastern bench of the Laguna de Santa Rosa flood plain within the Russian River Valley. The region was a popular location for Italian immigrants to settle back in the day, and is therefore considered historical for ‘ground zero’ old-vine Zinfandel within the North Coast. The field blend is predominately made up of Zinfandel with the remainder a mix of varieties such as: Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Grand Noir, Peloursin, Trousseau noir, Tempranillo, Muscadelle, Malvasia, Muscat, and 30 other varieties.

The harvested grapes are fully destemmed, seeing a 10% bleed at crush to enhance concentration. The fruit then sees a long 24-day fermentation before being pressed into French oak, of which 23% is new. The finished wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered.

“Tons of auxiliary grapes go into the 2021 Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard, which is deep red and ripe with cassis, cedar, bourbon spices, and peppercorn. Full-bodied, with both richness and an angular structure as well as silky fruit to balance it nicely, it offers notes of ripe red plum and black cherry, baking spices, mocha, and warming earth and is long on the palate. Drink 2024-2034.” – 97 points Jeb Dunnick

“The 2021 Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard is another dazzling wine in this range. Sweet red/purplish fruit, blood orange, spice, mint, rose petal and lavender are all wonderfully alive. This pliant, racy Zinfandel-based field blend (with 13% mixed blacks) is an absolute gem. Time in the glass really allows the layers to open.” – 96 points Vinous (Antonio Galloni)

“A dynamic Zinfandel, briary but polished, with expressive raspberry and dark cherry flavors accented by dried sage, orange zest and savory pepper. Ends with zesty tannins. Drink now through 2033. 753 cases made.” – 94 points, Wine Spectator