Carlisle Winery & Vineyards was founded in 1998 by Mike and Kendall Officer. Their passion is clear: small lots of Zinfandel and Syrah from exceptional, historic vineyards.
This particular vineyard was planted in 1905 by Italo Barbieri for his brother Pietro. From a small village in Tuscany, Italo was responsible for planting many of the vineyards in the Piner/Olivet region of the Russian River Valley in the early 1900s. Unfortunately, 2006 was the last vintage for the Pietro vineyard.
Candy apple red in color. 16.1% ABV. Black fruits, pepper and anise on the nose. Black cherry, spice, nutmeg, raspberries and vanilla on the palate. Full bodied, great acidity and resolved tannins. Drink over the next 1-2 years.
My rating: 92 points.
Current vintages of the various Carlisle Zinfandels 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 in the Spring and Fall.
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