Carlisle Winery & Vineyards was founded in 1998 by Mike & Kendall Officer. Their passion is clear: small lots of Zinfandel and Syrah from exceptional, historic vineyards.
Pelkan Ranch is in the Knights Valley AVA. Located at 1000′ elevation on a rocky ridge top facing Mount St. Helena, the vineyard produces intense, thick-skinned Syrah. Being at a higher altitude and often above the fog line, the site is picked relatively early, usually the end of September or early October.
15.7% ABV and 140 cases produced. The wine is still almost purple in color. Inky and glass staining. A soaring nose of blueberries, mineral and smoke. A potpourri of savory black fruits, iron, tar, blood, iodine, licorice, chocolate, pepper and meat coat the palate. The finish is long and decadent. Drink over the next 2-4 years.
My rating: 93 points.
Current vintages of the various Carlisle Syrahs are available via the mailing list, which is exceptionally long. Several retail outlets in California stock Carlisle, but you need to check with them at the time the winery releases their wines each spring and fall.
If you enjoyed this post please consider subscribing to Zinfandel Chronicles updates by email.