2021 Russian River Valley "Carlisle Vineyard" Zinfandel
87% Zinfandel
13% Mixed Black Varieties (Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Grand Noir, Peloursin, Trousseau noir, Tempranillo, Carignan, Muscadelle, Malvasia, Muscat, Clairette blanche and 28 other varieties)
2021 was a vintage of haves and have-nots. Some vineyards were greatly affected by drought and had tiny yields while other vineyards, even largely dry-farmed vineyards like Carlisle, flourished. In fact, yields of our estate vineyard tied a 25-year all-time high at 2.5 tons to the acre. Picked in three passes between September 23rd and September 27th, each lot was destemmed, cold soaked, and pressed after an average of 19 days on the skins. Nineteen percent new French oak. Unfined, unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Dark ruby-garnet. Heady, perfumed aromas of red and black raspberries macerated with blood orange. This is summer in a glass! Medium-full to full-bodied on entry, the burst of red berry and cherry fruit on the palate is nearly overwhelming. The long finish and juicy, mouthwatering acidity keep the palate begging for more. Is this the best wine we’ve produced from our estate vineyard? Quite possibly! Delicious now, enjoy this intensely fruited, food-friendly Zinfandel any time from release through 2033. (MRO - 07/15/23)