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.
Carlo’s Ranch Vineyard is now known as Papera Ranch Vineyard. The vineyard is close to Carlisle Vineyard and was planted in 1934. While many old-vine vineyards contain plenty of mixed black varieties, most of the blocks at Papera Ranch are 95+% Zinfandel. One block, however, does contain a significant amount of Carignane with a sprinkling of Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Valdiguié.
Crimson in color. 15.3% ABV. Juicy, brambly red fruits, pepper and licorice on the nose. Full bodied, perfect acidity and supple tannins. Raspberry, blueberry, white pepper, white chocolate and a hint of raisin on the palate. Brilliant Zinfandel. Drink over the next year or so.
My rating: 93 points.
This wine, now known as Papera Ranch, is a winner year in and year out. Current vintages run around $40. I can’t recommend this more highly.
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.
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