2016 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)
This 89-year-old vineyard performed magnificently in 2016. Forty percent of the fruit was picked on September 17th while the remainder was picked on September 19th. Some tanks fermented spontaneously, likely from whatever strains of Saccharomyces were hanging out in the winery, while others were inoculated. The following spring, we assembled the best blend from all the sub-components and bottled the wine unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium dark to dark ruby-garnet. Intense aromas of red berry compote (raspberry, cherry) laced with notes of blood orange and earth. Medium-full to full bodied, the wine is deftly balanced between fruit, tannin, acidity, and alcohol. Spectacular! Shows incredible class, refinement, and nuance. Optimal enjoyment should be from release through 2026. (Important note: The offering of this wine next year will be greatly reduced as production of this wine from the 2017 vintage is half of this vintage.) (MRO - 07/01/18)