Carlisle "Carlisle Vineyard" Zinfandel 2021
(Russian River Valley, California) - [JD 97] [VM 94-96] [WS 94]

About the Winery:
Carlisle is a small Sonoma County winery specializing in the production of old-vine, vineyard designated Zinfandels and red Rhône varieties (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Petite Sirah). They also produce three delicious white wines, two of which are blends from historic, old-vine vineyards plus Sonoma County's first ever Grüner Veltliner.

About the Wine:
2021 was a vintage of haves and have-nots.  Some vineyards were greatly affected by drought and had tiny yields while other vineyards, even largely dry-farmed vineyards like Carlisle, flourished.  In fact, yields of our estate vineyard tied a 25-year all-time high at 2.5 tons to the acre.  Picked in three passes between September 23rd and September 27th, each lot was destemmed, cold soaked, and pressed after an average of 19 days on the skins.  Nineteen percent new French oak.  Unfined, unfiltered.

Technical Data

Varietal Composition:86% Zinfandel, 14% Mixed Black Varieties (Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Grand Noir, Peloursin, Trousseau noir, Tempranillo, Carignan, Muscadelle, Malvasia, Muscat, Clairette blanche and 31 other varieties)
pH: 3.56
T.A.: 6.2 g/L
Alcohol: 15.0%
Cases Produced: 735

Tasting Notes

Dark ruby-garnet.  Heady, perfumed aromas of red and black raspberries macerated with blood orange.  This is summer in a glass!  Medium-full to full-bodied on entry, the burst of red berry and cherry fruit on the palate is nearly overwhelming.  The long finish and juicy, mouthwatering acidity keep the palate begging for more.  Is this the best wine we’ve produced from our estate vineyard?  Quite possibly!  Delicious now, enjoy this intensely fruited, food-friendly Zinfandel any time from release through 2033. (MRO - 07/15/23)

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"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." - Audrey Frick (July 2023)

94-96 Points - Vinous Media:
"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." - Antonio Galloni (January 2023)

94 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A dynamic Zin, briary but polished, featuring 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." - Tim Fish (January 2024)