2015 Russian River Valley "Carlisle Vineyard" Zinfandel
87% Zinfandel
13% Mixed Black and White Varieties (Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Grand Noir, Peloursin, Trousseau noir, Tempranillo, Muscadelle, Malvasia, Muscat, and 30 other varieties)
It was a bit surreal to pick Carlisle Vineyard on September 9th. Back in the ‘80s and ‘90s, this vineyard typically was picked during the second or third week of October! But an analysis of the juice indicated that the fruit was ripe and most importantly, the juice tasted great. All forty varieties were picked at the same time (including whites) and cofermented. Sixteen days on the skins. All French oak, 22% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Dark to very dark ruby-garnet. Much deeper in color than many other Zinfandels in this vintage. An intense nose of blood orange, raspberry (zinberry!), and licorice allsorts. Very expressive and very striking. Totally seamless and polished on the palate with flavors of orange rind and red berry fruit. This is an incredibly nuanced and texturally alluring Zinfandel that is more expressive and approachable than the 2014 rendition. Drink from release to 2024. (MRO – 07/18/17)