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.
Tom Feeney Ranch is situated in the Russian River Valley and was planted in 1926. The wine is 89% Zinfandel and 11% mixed black varieties (Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir de la Calmette, Petite Sirah).
Crimson in color. 15.9% ABV. Blueberry, loganberry, pepper and licorice on the nose. Rich, ripe and jammy. Full bodied and perfectly balanced. Blackberry, boysenberry, cocoa and white pepper on the palate. Soft tannins. A perfectly aged Zinfandel that is ready to drink now.
My rating: 92 points.
This wine was $40 off the mailing list.
Current vintages of the various Carlisle wines 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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