2013 Carlisle Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard

The 2013 Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard is a big step up from some of the other wines in the range. Intensely high-toned, nuanced and brilliant, the 2013 impresses for its striking tension, much of which comes from the high-altitude site. Not a shy wine by any means, the Monte Rosso simply screams of Mt. Veeder. Expressive floral and savory notes underpinned by veins of salivating acidity add the final dimensions of complexity.

The 2013 Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard was fashioned from ancient vines planted at 1,000-foot elevation in 1886. It possesses a dark ruby/plum color, crisp acidity (rather remarkable), surprising tartness, and a medium-bodied mouthfeel despite the fact it achieved nearly 16% natural alcohol. One of the earliest of these Zinfandel cuvées to achieve full ripeness, this 2013 was still somewhat gnarly and acidic when I tasted it, so I suspect my score is conservative compared to the way it will taste in a year. Drink 2015-2022.