Carlisle Vineyard Zinfandel

$84.99

In Mike Officer's words:

I started with five gallons of Zinfandel in my kitchen. Over the next several years, I made a barrel of Zinfandel each vintage with the help of some friends and my wife, Kendall Carlisle. The results were encouraging. Kendall and I moved to Santa Rosa in Sonoma County to be closer to the “source”. I found myself increasingly drawn to the old-vine vineyards of Sonoma County. There was something special, even magical, about those ancient, twisted vines with their deep roots and long histories. By 1997 we were producing over 300 cases of “garage” wine, mostly vineyard-designated old-vine Zinfandels, and winning numerous gold medals in amateur competitions. Hence, it was with our meagre savings and some family support that Kendall and I launched Carlisle Winery & Vineyards in 1998, concentrating on our two loves, old-vine Zinfandel and red Rhône varieties (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Petite Sirah). Our goal was simple but ambitious: to create small lots of distinctive, world-class wines from some of California’s most exceptional vineyards. With the belief that great wine begins in the vineyard, we sought out Zinfandel from some of the finest vineyards in the county, planted between 1888 and 1934, including our own vineyard planted in 1927 by Alcide Pelletti. In February of 2001, Jay Maddox, an old college friend who had just finished getting a second degree in viticulture and enology (with honors!) from U.C. Davis, joined Carlisle, bringing a wealth of knowledge, a keen palate, and a desire to produce nothing but the best without compromise. Together, we have been able to grow to nearly 10,000 cases, garnering high praise from wine critics and consumers alike.

750ml ml

Region:USA > California > Russian River Valley
Vintage:2020

Add To Favourites Print

Robertparker.com Tasting Note (2018 Vintage)

94 Points - Erin Brooks - "The 2018 Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard is composed of 86% Zinfandel and 14% mixed varieties such as Alicante Bouschet and Cinsault from 91-year-old vines. Aged in 23% new French oak, it has a deep ruby-purple color and dense, broody aromas of dried plums, cigar, cedar, olive, aniseed and graphite with floral hints. The palate is full-bodied, ripe and lush, and it finishes with loads of juicy acidity. 643 cases were made."

Robertparker.com Tasting Note (2017 Vintage)

93 Points - Erin Brooks - "The 2017 Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard contains 12% mixed black varieties. This vineyard was planted in 1927 with Zinfandel and 39 other varieties, including ten white varieties. Grapes were picked together and co-fermented. It was hard hit by the heat, and yields were very low after the intensive sorting. Jake Bilbro says, "It looked like a massacre after picking. We had about 25 tons hanging, and we only brought in 10 tons. It was ugly, but it's our estate vineyard, so you do what you gotta do." Medium ruby-purple, it gives up scents of cinnamon toast, cocoa powder, warm earth, red and black cherries, blueberries, fried sage, dried herbs and flowers with touches of orange peel and charcuterie. Medium-bodied, the palate flushes with fruit to savory and chocolate flavor layers, gently framed and lifted on the long, layered finish. 332 cases produced."

"It all started innocently enough. When I was 19, my older sister who was throwing a dinner party offered me a small glass of amber-coloured syrup. “Ambrosia!” I exclaimed upon tasting the late-harvest Riesling. That was it. I was hooked."

-Mike Officer

Eschewing a job in software development and the city hustle & bustle in favour of making wine in their garage, the Carlisle husband-and-wife team of Mike and Kendall Officer has been making wine under the Carlisle Winery name since 1998. From these humble beginnings, Carlisle Winery & Vineyards has become a Sonoma County gem, producing genuine world-class wines.

Largely specializing in old-vine, vineyard-specific Zinfandels and red Rhone varietals. Carlisle wines are bold and assertive yet impeccably balanced. Differences between vintages and vineyards showcase the deviances amongst Sonoma terroir, which is further expressed by Carlisle's ethos of minimal intervention. Expect impeccable, nuanced wines at an outstanding price.

Carlisle's Estate Vineyard was planted in 1927 and features a field blend of 40 different varietals with Zinfandel being predominant. Mike does no advertising and sells his wine through a mailing list that is over-subscribed. The real advertising is through word of mouth (literally) as his wine’s reputation of affordability and value for such unparalleled quality have sold themselves.

Carlisle produces approximately 9,000 cases annually and does not want to increase from this level. With very few retail shops carrying Carlisle products, if you find it that is enough reason to purchase.

Kensington Wine Market is honoured to be one of the few wine shops anywhere able to carry Carlisle.

Above: Zinfandel from Papara Ranch Vineyard just before harvesting.