Keenan `Nod to History` Zinfandel

Carlisle Rossi Ranch Grenache

$72.99

From owner/winemaker Mike Officer: Booyah!  We’ve produced some mighty tasty Grenaches in the past (2018, 2016, and 2013 come to mind) but for my palate, none holds a candle to this lip-smackin’ bad boy!  It actually transports me back to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, reminding me of some of my favorite 100% (or nearly so) Grenache cuvées grown in safres.  Picked October 18th, 20% of the fruit was not destemmed to add a bit of peppery spice to the nose and palate.  After an indigenous fermentation and nearly a month on the skins, the wine was pressed to all neutral French oak.  It remained unracked and on its lees until bottling.  Unfined and unfiltered.

The Rossi Vineyard was originally planted in 1910 by the Rossi family which it takes its name from. The Vineyard lies in the Sonoma Valley and is planted with Zinfandel, Grenache, and other varietals.

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.

Ridge Geyserville Zinfandel

$99.99

An impressive 93 points from renowned wine critic Antonio Galloni at Vinous for the 2012 vintage! The review: "The 2012 Zinfandel Geyserville is quite exuberant in this vintage. Savory herbs, tobacco, smoke, menthol and dark red/blackish-toned fruit burst from the glass in an exotic, juicy Zinfandel-based field blend loaded with personality. The tannins could use another year to soften, but readers will have a hard time keeping their hands off this jewel of a wine. The brisk, energetic finish is incredibly appealing. The blend is 71% Zinfandel, 19% Carignane, 7% Petite Sirah, 1% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro (Mourvèdre)." Oh, and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the 2012 vintage 91 points, too.

Ridge Santa Cruz Mtns Cabernet Sauvignon

$159.99

One to collect ! 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc. 91 points Wine Spectator: "Made in a style that demands patience and cellaring, this is taut, firm, dense and sturdy. Not showing much now, but like good Bordeaux, this is built to age. (JL) (7/2017)"