2019 Carlisle Syrah Santa Lucia Highlands
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Tasting notes
20% whole-cluster fermentation with ambient yeasts. Aged in 19% new French oak. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. 302 cases made. Inky, opaque garnet. Smells and tastes of black-cherry and blackberry fruit, with a nice, herbal mintiness. Fantastic acidity, which adds to the sense of freshness in the mouth. This brightness balances the very ripe, rich fruit to make for a powerful but ultimately balanced wine that has just a hint of salinity to it. (AY)
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2019 Syrah Rosella's Vineyard is ample, creamy and super-expressive. Mike Officer has an especially fine hand when it comes to Santa Lucia Highlands Syrahs, as the two wines in this range make clear. Red/purplish fruit, blood orange, rose petal, lavender and spice resonate effortlessly. There's wonderful texture and tons of personality here. The Rosella's is a standout.
The 2019 Syrah Rosella's Vineyard comes from a great vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands located in the middle of the appellation. Revealing a dense purple hue as well as gorgeous black raspberry, red plum, candied violets, sandalwood, and hints of orange blossom, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, and a smoking finish. It shows more violet and floral notes with time in the glass, and you'd be excused for guessing Côte Rôtie on this in a blind tasting. It's another singular beauty from Mike Officer that should be snatched up by readers. Drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years.
The 2019 Syrah Rosella's Vineyard is a stunning 100% Syrah made with 20% whole cluster, aged in 20% new French oak and harvested just before the 2019 Kincade fire started in Sonoma County on October 23. Opaque ruby-purple in color, its aromas are pure and defined with dark cherry fruit accented by classic notes of violet, milk chocolate and white pepper. The palate is pure, full and rounded, with juicy freshness and a long, layered, floral finish. It's a restrained, ultra-perfumed Syrah for lovers of a cooler climate expression. 302 cases were made.