Carlisle "Radiant Ridge Vineyard" Syrah 2021
(Bennett Valley, Sonoma, California) - [VM 94-96] [JD 92]

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:
Radiant Ridge Vineyard is a relatively young vineyard, having just been planted in 2013, but is quickly proving itself to be a star in our portfolio. 5.3 tons of clone 470 Syrah were picked October 13th from this spectacularly situated vineyard overlooking Bennett Valley.  Eighty percent of the fruit was destemmed with the remaining 20% left as whole cluster to add structure and spice notes.  After a six-day cold soak, fermentation began on its own so we decided to let ‘er rip.  Another 23 days later, the wine was pressed to all French oak, 23% new.  Fined with one egg white (approximately 30 mL) per barrel to polish the palate but bottled unfiltered

Tasting Notes:
Very dark purple.  A full glass is nearly opaque.  Brooding but potent aromas of blackberry confiture, bittersweet chocolate, lavender, and white pepper all speak to the vineyard’s cool climate.  Medium to medium-full bodied on the palate, flavors of elderberry and blueberry are front and center while subtle notes of chocolate and spice emerge in long, moderately tannic finish.  A wine built for aging so if opened early, pair with appropriate foods.  Optimum drinking should be 2030 through 2040. (MRO - 01/18/24)

Ratings & Reviews

94-96 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Syrah Radiant Ridge Vineyard is dense, potent and explosive, as wines from this site can be. Inky dark fruit, lavender, chocolate, licorice, spice and dried flowers saturate the palate. This heady Sonoma County Syrah packs a serious punch. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, chocolate, graphite and incense build into the huge, muscular finish. Radiant Ridge remains one of the most distinctive sites in all of Sonoma." Drink 2025-2036. - Antonio Galloni (Jan 2023)