Winemaker Notes
Moving eastward from the ocean, Carlisle is the third vineyard of three on this release’s mini tour of Russian River Valley. Located in the Piner/Olivet area of the plain to the west of Santa Rosa, Carlisle is understandably one of the most famous vineyards for Zinfandel in the area. Though a remarkably diverse vineyard with over 40 different interplanted varieties such as Albillo Mayor, Petite Bouschet, Tempranillo, Muscadelle, Clairette Blanche, and many, many more, the overall composition is just about 90% Zinfandel. They love this wine every year for its warm hug of opulent blue fruit that is naturally leavened by natural acidity provided by the cool, and often foggy, Russian River Valley nights. Around the world, grapevines grown on soils higher in clay content are known for their fruit weight, and in the context of this release’s wine, the high clay content at Carlisle plays out as this is the richest of the Russian River Valley wines, even when picked under the cool skies of October. Though these wines will age nicely, I almost prefer them in their youth for the ebullient fruit. For a fun comparison, open this next to a Banfield, as they were both picked on the same day (October 7th) at almost the same sugar level, and you will truly see the effect of soil and site.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Few Zins show this kind of refinement, balance and focus, yet this retains a distinct, bold personality. Vivid aromas and flavors of cherry and raspberry are accented by savory anise and dark chocolate. Finishes with fine-grained tannins.
Unapologetically bold, spice-driven and jammy, Zinfandel has secured its title as the darling of California vintners by adapting well to the state's diverse microclimates and landscapes. Born in Croatia, it later made its way to southern Italy where it was named Primitivo. Fortunately, the imperial nursery of Vienna catalogued specimens of the vine, and it later made its way to New England in 1829. Parading the true American spirit, Zinfandel found a new home in California during the Gold Rush of 1849. Somm Secret—California's ancient vines of Zinfandel are those that survived the neglect of Prohibition; today these vines produce the most concentrated, ethereal and complex examples.
A standout region for its decidedly Californian take on Burgundian varieties, the Russian River Valley is named for the eponymous river that flows through it. While there are warm pockets of the AVA, it is mostly a cool-climate growing region thanks to breezes and fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reign supreme in Russian River, with the best examples demonstrating a unique combination of richness and restraint. The cool weather makes Russian River an ideal AVA for sparkling wine production, utilizing the aforementioned varieties. Zinfandel also performs exceptionally well here. Within the Russian River Valley lie the smaller appellations of Chalk Hill and Green Valley. The former, farther from the ocean, is relatively warm, with a focus on red and white Bordeaux varieties. The latter is the coolest, foggiest parcel of the Russian River Valley and is responsible for outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.