2007 Carlisle Syrah Pelkan Ranch
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Tasting notes
From the Knight's Valley, the 2007 Syrah Pelkan Ranch exhibits floral notes intermixed with hints of espresso roast, chocolate, tar, and pepper presented in an inky, dense, full-bodied, velvety style. It can be consumed now and over the next 5-7 years. One of California's most compelling success stories is Mike Officer's conversion from full-time software developer to full-time guardian of old vine Zinfandel vineyards and world-class producer of artisinal wines. Carlisle is a hugely successful winery, not only because of outstanding customer service, but because of the simple fact that it delivers great wines at extremely fair prices. Carlisle's 2008 Zinfandel crop is the smallest to date thanks to the spring frost, which cut yields by 30%. Consequently, production for all of these 2008s is down considerably. That said, the concentration levels are higher than ever, and the alcohol content is slightly higher than in 2007. The 2007 Syrahs (all 100% Syrah) showcase not only Mike Officer's uncanny knack for ferreting out top terroirs for Syrah, but also his artisinal, hands-off winemaking philosophy that seems to coax the finest characteristics out of all his vineyard sources. The 2008 Syrahs are concentrated, powerful reds, and I may be wrong, but it appears that Mike Officer is beginning to use a higher percentage of whole clusters (stems). Tel. (707) 566-7700; Fax (707) 566-7200
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Glass-staining purple. Powerful scents of blackcurrant, cherry preserves and rooty sassafras, with slow-building olive and violet pastille qualities. Broad, fleshy dark berry liqueur flavors are framed by velvety tannins, picking up cracked pepper and herbal notes with air. A serious, chewy wine that develops compelling sweetness and floral character on the long, sappy finish. Officer says that this is the most ageworthy wine in his line-up.