2013 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)
Planted in 1927 by Alcide Pelletti, a first generation Italian immigrant from San Pellegrinetto (in the mountains just north of Lucca, Italy), Carlisle Vineyard is composed of 87% Zinfandel and 13% other stuff. But in that remaining 13%, there are a total of 39 different varieties, nine of which are white! All varieties are picked at the same time and co-fermented together. A true field blend and a California original. Picked September 26th, the fruit was fully destemmed and cold soaked for five days before an indigenous fermentation began. Eighteen days on the skins, the wine was aged in all French oak, only 20% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium-dark to dark ruby-red. An intoxicating mélange of red mulberry, cassis, tobacco, and freshly tilled loam exudes from the glass. A touch of blood orange as well. Very appealing. On the palate, perfect balance with a silken texture. Gentle tannins emerge on the mid-palate and carry through the lengthy finish. Classic Russian River Valley old-vine Zinfandel. This wine is very enjoyable now but should continue to develop for several more years. Drink from release through 2021. (MRO – 07/18/15)