2017 Russian River Valley "Carlisle Vineyard" Zinfandel
88% Zinfandel
12% Mixed Black and White Varieties (Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Grand Noir, Peloursin, Trousseau noir, Tempranillo, Muscadelle, Malvasia, Muscat, and 30 other varieties)
Unfortunately, none of our vineyards was hit harder by the Labor Day Weekend heatwave that our own Carlisle Vineyard. After sorting in the vineyard at harvest, it looked like a grape massacre. Clusters lay everywhere, rejected for too much dehydration. Had the heat not hit, we would have picked something close to 25 tons. Instead, we brought in 10.9 tons and now have less than half of the usual amount. Such is farming I suppose. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium dark to dark ruby-garnet. Powerful, perfumed aromas of macerated zinberries (imagine a cross of a raspberry with a blood orange), violet pastilles, and spice jump from the glass. Full-bodied but with exquisite balance. Flavors of mulberry and black raspberry build through the long and moderately tannic finish. As sublime as this wine is at the moment, it should only improve with additional time in bottle. Enjoy this ultimate field blend from 2021 through 2028. (MRO - 11/01/19)