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.
Montafi Ranch, formerly Tom Feeney Vineyard, was planted in 1926 and sits on the Santa Rosa city limits. The vineyard is mostly Zinfandel but does contain a healthy amount of Alicante Bouschet and Grand Noir de la Calmette. A little Petite Sirah, Peloursin, Syrah, and Petit Bouschet are interspersed as well.
Crimson in color. 15.4% ABV. Perfumed nose of red fruits, plums and sandalwood. Medium body with great acidity. White pepper, kirsch, raspberries and blackberries on the palate. The finish is long, rich and creamy. Drink over the next year or so. Great showing.
My rating: 94 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.
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Consistently my favorite Carlisle, never disappoints.
It’s like picking your favorite child. Papera Ranch and Carlisle Vineyard are not far behind Montafi for me.