Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
A big, dense, concentrated Zinfandel (which is the vintage), the purple-hued 2018 Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard offers up a rich, full-bodied style as well as loads of blue and black fruits, full-bodied richness, ripe yet building tannins, and ample cedary spice s well as candied orange nuances. Rating: 95+
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Wine Spectator
Old school meets new school in this Zin, which is gutsy yet retains a sense of refinement. Blackberry and blueberry notes give way to briary underbrush and cracked pepper flavors that build tension and complexity toward mediumgrained tannins. Drink now
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2018 Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard is composed of 86% Zinfandel and 14% mixed varieties such as Alicante Bouschet and Cinsault from 91-year-old vines. Aged in 23% new French oak, it has a deep ruby-purple color and dense, broody aromas of dried plums, cigar, cedar, olive, aniseed and graphite with floral hints. The palate is full-bodied, ripe and lush, and it finishes with loads of juicy acidity.
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.