Carlisle - Russian River Valley Zinfandel 2009 (750ml)

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Price: $79.99

Producer	Carlisle
Country	United States
Region	California
Subregion	Russian River Valley
Varietal	Zinfandel
Vintage	2009
Sku	130112
Size	750ml

Winemakers Notes

After the devastating frost of 2008, yields of these 82-year-old vines bounced back nicely in 2009 to 1.6 tons to the acre. This was certainly one of the more nerve-racking picks of the year, finishing under stormy skies just hours before the heavens opened up. After a five-day cold soak, the must was inoculated with two different strains of yeast. Fourteen days later the wine was pressed to all French oak, 25% new. As usual, bottled unfined and unfiltered.

93% Zinfandel
7% Mixed Black Varieties (Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Petite Sirah, Peloursin, Tempranillo, and others)

Tasting Note:

Medium-dark to dark violet-ruby. Heady aromas of mulberry, raspberry, brier, pepper, and incense spill from the glass. Serious stuff! The wine glides smoothly across the palate with lively acidity giving delineation to the bright raspberry and Asian spice flavors. Amazingly well balanced for such a powerful wine. Carlisle Vineyard always seems to produce a wine that benefits from at least several years of aging. This rendition is no exception. Drink from 2013 through 2020. (MRO – 09/25/11)

Critical Acclaim

94 points Wine Advocate (Review Date: 02/2012)

The 2009 Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard shows gorgeous purity in its freshly cut roses, sweet red cherries, tobacco, leather and sweet herbs. Here the profile tends towards the redder end of the spectrum. This cooler site within the Russian River yields wines with bright acidity and plenty of freshness. The vines were originally planted in 1927, with 93% Zinfandel and roughly 7% other red varieties. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021. (AG)

93 points Wine Spectator (Review Date: 02/2012)

Dense and brooding, with floral boysenberry and licorice aromas and deep, layered flavors of tart blueberry, fresh sage and mineral. Tannins are big but ripe. Needs time. Best from 2013 through 2017.