2012 Carlisle Zinfandel Sonoma County

Carlisle's 2012 Zinfandel is a stunning wine and a great value, to boot. Exuberant, juicy and ripe to the core, the 2012 is bursting with personality, intensity and pure pleasure. Close your eyes. Anywhere else in the world, this wine would sell for twice as much. Mike Officer and Jay Maddox have done a fabulous job here. Look at some of the vineyards in this blend; Zinfandel and Petite Sirah from Rossi Ranch, Zinfandel from Banfield Ranch, plus barrels of Zinfandel from Montafi and Sodini (which could have been bottled separately), all from sites planted between 1881 and 1910. Incredible.

The least expensive offering is the gorgeous 2012 Zinfandel Sonoma, which comes from many different sources, but all are old vine Zinfandel and the so-called Mixed Black vineyards that were planted by Italian immigrants, usually in the late 1800s and early 1900s (prior to Prohibition). This is a 1,000-case cuvee whose vines were planted between 1881 and 1926. A dense ruby color is followed by copious aromas of brambleberries, black cherries, spice box and pepper. This pure, full-bodied (14.8% alcohol) Zinfandel hits the palate with loads of hedonistic joy. Consume this beautiful Zinfandel during its first 3-4 years of life. Carlisle Winery’s Mike Officer and his wife are one of the wonderful stories in the wine world. Going from a part-time home winemaker, to turning out some of his beloved Zinfandels, to becoming one of the two or three leading guardians of old vine Zinfandel in Northern California, Mike Officer was so good at making wine that he changed careers and wine consumers are the beneficiaries. The single vineyard Zins are absolutely remarkable. Everyone who loves Zinfandel should be on Carlisle’s mailing list, the wines are primarily available only from the winery. Sadly, Mike Officer is not making as much Syrah as he used to given the difficult marketplace for this varietal. That’s a shame, as great Syrahs are truly magnificent wines. Tel. (707) 566-7700