2012 Carlisle Petite Sirah Palisades Vineyard
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(made from fruit picked at 26 degrees Brix; 15.4% alcohol): Glass-staining purple. Explosive dark berry liqueur, violet and licorice scents are accented by a spicy nuance and a hint of black pepper. Full-bodied and supple in texture, with unlikely vivacity to its deep blackcurrant and blueberry flavors. Really stains the palate and finishes sweet, gently tannic and long, with repeating floral character. Mike Officer said that he thinks this wine "tastes like black, if a color could have flavor." (JR)
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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The 2012 Petite Sirah Palisades Vineyard, from one of the very best Petite sites in Napa Valley, bursts from the glass with heady red fruits, flowers, spices, licorice, mint and raspberry jam. Carlisle's Petite emerges from one of the oldest section in the vineyard planted with head-trained vines.
From Napa Valley, the 2012 Petite Sirah Palisades Vineyard boasts off-the-charts richness along with classic notes of blackberries, blueberries, camphor and spring flowers. The colossal concentration, massive extract, surprisingly sweet tannin and high alcohol (15.4%) suggest it should age effortlessly for 20+ years. Unfortunately, just over 100 cases were made. 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