2016 Carlisle Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley
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Tasting notes
The classic Dry Creek Valley 2016 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley (there's 15% Petite Sirah) offers lots of blackberry and plum fruits, classic brambly herbs and spice aromas and flavors, medium body, and a rounded, supple, yet focused style on the palate. It's terrific today but is going to keep for a decade. It’s also a great introduction into the quality and style of these 2016s from Mike Officer and Jay Maddox. Winemakers Mike Officer and Jay Maddox have hit pay dirt with these latest 2016s and across the board, they’re the finest set of releases I’ve tasted from this estate. While Mike’s wines are always deeply colored and powerful, the more elegant, balanced style of the 2016 vintage is front and center and these 2016s just glide over the palate, with perfectly integrated fruit, tannin, and acidity. In addition, most are approachable today given their purity of fruit, yet they’re going to evolve beautifully on their balance. Hats off to the team here and readers should not miss these wines!
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
From three different blocks with a co-fermented splash of 15% Petite Sirah, the 2016 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley is medium garnet-purple in color with notions of black cherry compote, black raspberries and raspberry preserves with touches of hoisin, baking spices, dusty soil and tobacco. Full-bodied, rich and packed with opulently spiced berry preserves layers, it has a plush texture and great freshness coming through on the long finish. 427 cases produced.
The 2016 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley is a blend of fruit from two sites. Zinfandel from Teldeschi and Mounts Ranch account for 85% of the blend, with the inclusion of 15% Petite from Mounts. Succulent red cherry, hard candy, rose petal, mint and chalk fill out the layers effortlessly. Deep, powerful and resonant, the 2016 has so much to offer. This is a hugely promising wine from Carlisle.