Description

Some of you may be unfamiliar with Carlisle?  Carlisle has a well-earn reputation as a premier old vine Zinfandel farmer and producer, and is always included with the likes of superstars Bedrock, Turley, Ridge and Seghesio.  In fact, all of these wineries have produced wines from the famed and historic Papera Ranch.  Her’s what Carlisle says about the vineyard…..

“Just a stone’s throw from Carlisle Vineyard, this grande dame of the Piner-Olivet area of the Russian River Valley was planted in 1934 by Celestino (Charlie) Papera. Hardpan is a defining characteristic of the Huichica loam soil found in this area but here at Papera, the soil depth is much deeper, leading to uncommonly consistent vine development and health across the vineyard. While many old-vine vineyards contain plenty of mixed black varieties, most of the blocks at Papera Ranch are 95+% Zinfandel. One block, however, does contain a significant amount of Carignan with a sprinkling of Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Valdiguié. Given its cool location, this is one of our later Zinfandel vineyards to be picked.“

2022 Carlisle Papera Ranch Russian River Valley Zinfandel arriving tomorrow.  Price is $57.95 a bottle – received 95 points from Wine Spectator. Tried it last night and it is stunning!  “Impeccably structured and rich with personality, this red captures the essence of Russian River Zin, offering dark cherry and blackberry flavors accented by fruitcake spices, dried fig, orange oil and savory pepper tones that finish with youthful but polished tannins. Drink now through 2035.”

Any of Carlisle’s best releases (this is certainly one of them!!) from the ’22/23 vintages are going to become instant collectibles as Mike Officer is retiring and has not been able to sell the winery.  The final vintage will be the 2024, but at this time we are unaware of what wines were produced, production numbers or what limited amounts will be available.