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.
Predominantly Zinfandel with small amounts Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet. Grapes from Montafi Ranch, Sodini Vineyard, Rossi Ranch, Banfield Ranch and Saitone Ranch. A real “kitchen sink” wine.
Lighter in color than I would have expected. Call it light crimson. 14.8% ABV. Red fruits, blood orange and pepper on the nose. Medium body with perfect acidity. Raspberries, cherries and boysenberries on the palate. Medium length on the finish. Drink over the next year or two while you let the single vineyard wines settle down. One of the very best values in California wine at a little over $20 per bottle.
My rating: 91 points.
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.
I’ve wrote about Carlisle previously in Winery Mailing Lists: The Fab 5 and The Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings.
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I gave it a 30 minute splash decant. darker red fruits and spice on the nose. Some dark cherry with more pepper on the palate. One thing I did notice at how seamless and smooth is slid across the palate. more so than other versions of this I have had. So much so my wife loved it and she is not a zin fan. I could have a cellar full of this and for the price it is an wonderful wine. Cheers Tom!
Thanks Lon. Definitely a wine I always end up wishing I had bought more of.
Nice review, made me thirsty