2011 Carlisle Zinfandel Sonoma County
Prezzo di mercato
Opzioni di acquisto
Note di degustazione
A more compact personality emerges from the 2011 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley. Iron, red berries, smoke and tobacco all make an appearance, but it is the wine's energy and thrust that speak loudest. It will be interesting to see if the 2011 fattens up in bottle. Today, it is a bit on the lean side, despite its considerable appeal.
Punteggi della critica
Punteggio medio
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Altre recensioni e punteggi
(made from fruit grown in 5 vineyards: 3 in the Russian River Valley, 2 in Sonoma Valley and 1 in Sonoma County): Bright ruby. Vibrant raspberry and candied cherry on the nose, with appealing spiciness and a hint of fresh rose. Energetic and focused, offering brisk red berry flavors and a touch of anise that builds with air. Finishes with very good precision and length, leaving a spicy note behind. This is a great introduction to the Carlisle wines at a gentle price.
The 2011 Zinfandel is a screaming value. Sweet, layered and impeccably balanced, the 2011 is gorgeous from the very first taste. Hints of sweet tobacco, cedar, licorice and dark red cherries all take shape in the glass. This mid-weight, gracious Zinfandel is impeccable. Even better, it is a steal. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. Proprietor Mike Officer arrived with a bevy of wines for our tasting, all of which I was thrilled to sample. Readers who don’t think terroir exists in California should check out the Carlisle Zinfandels and Syrahs, many of which emerge from old-vine, heritage sites that nearly disappeared until Officer and some of his peers rescued them from the brink of oblivion. In particular, the 2011 Zinfandels are fabulous. Officer describes 2011 as a very late harvest. The Syrahs were all picked after the rains, while the thinner-skinned Zinfandels naturally came in quite a bit earlier. Officer told me he performed a severe selection of fruit that took with it a full 50% of the production. For his efforts, Officer has been rewarded with a set of gorgeous wines, although I imagine his faithful clientele won’t be too thrilled with the lower production levels of these wines, given their already minuscule production. Unfortunately, 2011 Compagni Portis and Gruner Veltliner were to be bottled right after this tasting, so I will have to wait until another opportunity to sample those wines. Carlisle is resolute in keeping his wines affordable, a commendable approach I wish were more common throughout California. Tel. (707) 566-7700