2006 Russian River Valley "Carlisle Vineyard" Zinfandel
84% Zinfandel
16% Mixed Black Varieties (Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Petite Sirah, Carignane, and others)
After three years of extremely low yields, we did what we could to coax more fruit from our 79 year-old estate vineyard. Alas, the vines refused to cooperate and yields were a scant 0.8 tons to the acre. But while quantity was low, quality was amazingly high. Picked on October 20th, the indigenous fermentation proceeded without a hitch. All French oak, 30% new, and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Dark purple-ruby. Classic aromas of mulberry, cassis, briar, and spring flowers. No mistaking this wine’s origins! On the palate, full and rich with bright acidity and silky tannins framing the raspberry and cassis-like flavors. Our best balanced Carlisle Vineyard Zinfandel to date. Enjoy this elegant, age-worthy Zinfandel from late-2009 through 2017. (MRO – 10/30/08)