2012 Carlisle Three Birds

The 2012 Red Wine Three Birds, Carlisle's Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre blend, is laced with the essence of dark red cherry, plum, spice and licorice, all supported by firm yet well-integrated tannins. This is another wine in the range that delivers fabulous quality for the money. The blend is 73% Grenache, 14% Syrah and 13% Mourvèdre, with floral notes from the Grenache that are especially prominent on the finish.

The 2012 Three Birds Proprietary Red, a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, is what Mike Officer calls his Chateauneuf du Pape Sonoma cuvee. The 2012, which achieved 14.9% alcohol, includes slightly more Syrah than usual. Copious notes of kirsch, black currants, lavender, loamy soil and pepper and spice are found in this soft, round, seductive red that caresses the palate. It should be drunk in its first 2-4 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