Winemaker Notes
Dark ruby-garnet. Heady, perfumed aromas of red and black raspberries macerated with blood orange. This is summer in a glass! Medium-full to full-bodied on entry, the burst of red berry and cherry fruit on the palate is nearly overwhelming. The long finish and juicy, mouthwatering acidity keep the palate begging for more.
Blend: 87% Zinfandel, 13% Mixed Black Varieties (Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Grand Noir, Peloursin, Trousseau Noir, Tempranillo, Carignan, Muscadelle, Malvasia, Muscat, Clairette blanche & 28 Other Varieties)
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Tons of auxiliary grapes go into the 2021 Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard, which is deep red and ripe with cassis, cedar, bourbon spices, and peppercorn. Full-bodied, with both richness and an angular structure as well as silky fruit to balance it nicely, it offers notes of ripe red plum and black cherry, baking spices, mocha, and warming earth and is long on the palate. Drink 2024-2034.
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Wine Spectator
A dynamic Zin, briary but polished, featuring expressive raspberry and dark cherry flavors accented by dried sage, orange zest and savory pepper. Ends with zesty 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.