Carlisle Winery & Vineyards was founded in 1998 by Mike Officer. Their passion is clear: Small lots of Zinfandel and Syrah from exceptional, historic vineyards.
The 2008 Sonoma County Syrah is in the running for best $25 wine produced in California. The wine is 93% Syrah with a touch of Grenache and Petite Sirah. The fruit is from Jemrose Vineyard in Bennett Vally and Rossi Ranch in Sonoma Valley.
Opaque purple in color. 14.9% ABV and impeccably balanced. Cherries, pepper, meat and anise. Low acidity makes me think this is a wine for near-term consumption while you wait for other Carlisle Syrahs like Papa’s Block and James Berry to develop.
Put your name on the Carlisle mailing list. The wait is as long as the wines are unique. Be patient.
My rating: 91 points
Tom – we opened an ’08 Carlisle Dry Creek Valley Zin on Saturday. It was fantastic – I am still thinking about it. One of the best wines I have had this summer. Going to open another ’08 tonight – this time with pizza !
The wines almost always deliver and at the price point it is hard to go wrong.