2013 Carlisle Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard
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The 2013 Zinfandel Old Vines, a blend from old-vine sites primarily planted between 1881 and 1895, is sensational Zinfandel, tipping the scales at a lofty 15.7% alcohol, but there is not a hint of heat. A terrific nose of cracked black pepper, black raspberries, licorice, earth and fresh meat jumps from the glass of this full-bodied, opulent wine, which also shows striking minerality, no doubt from the ancient vine root systems that go deep into the Russian River soil and bedrock. This is a beauty, full-bodied, majestic and ideal for drinking now and over the next 5-8 years.
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The 2013 Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard brings together all the best elements of the house style. Huge and explosive on the palate, the Carlisle is wonderfully complex, with notable depth and power. Dark red cherries, wild flowers, tobacco, menthol and licorice blossom as the 2013 shows off its personality. This site, which was planted in 1927, is mostly Zinfandel. The blocks Mike Officer uses contain an estimated 39(!) other varieties, both white and red, all of which are represented in this blend.
The 2013 Zinfandel Russian River (15.7% natural alcohol) is a lovely, supple effort displaying lots of Provençal-like kirsch liqueur notes intermixed with hints of sandy soil, pepper, spice and underbrush. Full-bodied, round and generous, it should drink beautifully upon release and over the following 5-7 years.