2012 Carlisle Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley

The 2012 Zinfandel Dry Creek comes from three separate old vine vineyards, one planted in 1890 and the youngest planted in 1950. A blockbuster at 15.6% natural alcohol, it offers loads of black raspberry and black cherry fruit interwoven with bouquet garni and earthy notes. This attractive, full-bodied, surprisingly finesse-styled Zinfandel demonstrates the magic of the self-trained winemaker, Mike Officer. Carlisle Winery’s Mike Officer and his wife are one of the wonderful stories in the wine world. Going from a part-time home winemaker, to turning out some of his beloved Zinfandels, to becoming one of the two or three leading guardians of old vine Zinfandel in Northern California, Mike Officer was so good at making wine that he changed careers and wine consumers are the beneficiaries. The single vineyard Zins are absolutely remarkable. Everyone who loves Zinfandel should be on Carlisle’s mailing list, the wines are primarily available only from the winery. Sadly, Mike Officer is not making as much Syrah as he used to given the difficult marketplace for this varietal. That’s a shame, as great Syrahs are truly magnificent wines. Tel. (707) 566-7700