Zinfandel of the Month is a regular feature on Zinfandel Chronicles. Keep in mind that although the Zinfandel of the Month might be an older bottle, the current vintage will be one you can find at retail or via the mailing list.
The March Zinfandel of the Month is the 2017 Carlisle Zinfandel Montafi Ranch.
I chose this wine as my Zinfandel of the Month as I found myself reminiscing about Carlisle and Mike Officer’s imminent retirement. Montafi Ranch is in the Piner-Olivet area has always been one of my favorite Zins from Carlisle.
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. Many of these vineyards are heritage sites planted by Italian immigrants and date back to the late 1800s .
Montafi Ranch was planted in 1926. Located farther up the eastern bench of the Laguna de Santa Rosa flood plain, bordering the Santa Rosa city limits, this vineyard is mostly Zinfandel but does contain a good amount of Alicante Bouschet and Grand Noir. Montafi made my list of Top 10 Old Vine Zinfandel Vineyards.
Bright crimson in color. 15% ABV. Breathtaking nose of red fruits, citrus, anise and earth. Medium body with mouth watering acidity. Perfectly balanced. Packed with dark, juicy fruits. Cherry, raspberry liqueur, blood orange and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. I could smell this wine all day long. Super Zinfandel that is ready to drink. Best over the next 1-2 years.
My rating: 94 points.
I can make an argument that Carlisle is the best Zinfandel producer in the state of California. 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.