Carlisle "Dry Creek Valley" Zinfandel 2021
(Sonoma County, California) - [JD 93] [WS 93]

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 this Wine:

Teldeschi Ranch Zinfandel was picked September 6th at 24.7 Brix followed closely by our Mounts Ranch Zinfandel on September 7th at 25.7 Brix.  On September 11th, we returned to Mounts Ranch to pick our Petite Sirah at 24.5 Brix.  Each lot was fermented with a different strain of natural yeast (WS, IONYS, and NT116) to build as many layers of flavor and texture as possible.  The final blend was aged in all French oak, 19% new, and bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes:
Shimmering medium-dark garnet-ruby.  Soaring, perfumed aromas of kirsch, red licorice whips, brown tobacco, and rusted iron.  Quintessential Dry Creek!  On the palate, full-bodied with flavors of red cherries, loamy earth and brown spices.  A seductive wine of total harmony and balance yet its energy and verve portend of more great things to come.  I cannot recall the last time I’ve enjoyed our Dry Creek Zinfandel this much.  Just such a pretty wine.  Drink from release through 2034. (MRO - 07/15/23)

Technical Information

Ratings & Reviews

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Dynamic and briary, with energetic cherry, licorice and steely loam accents that gather richness and zestiness toward lively tannins. Drink now through 2032. 332 cases made." - Tim Fish (Jan 2024)