2020 Carlisle 'Carlisle Vineyard' Zinfandel

A rich Zinfandel blended with 30 varietals, featuring ripe dark fruit, earthy tones, and a hint of pepper.

Producer

Carlisle

Region

Russian River Valley, Sonoma, CA

Country

USA

Varietal

Zinfandel

Varietal Composition

86% Zinfandel, 14% Mixed Black Varieties (Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Grand Noir, Peloursin, Trousseau noir, Tempranillo, Carignan, Muscadelle, Malvasia, Muscat, Clairette blanche and 31 other varieties)

Specifications

2020

Vintage

2034

Drink By

ABV

Vinification

2020 was a low yielding year given the hot temps, but the fruit was ripe and concentrated. The grapes were fully destemmed and cold soaked for 5 days before fermentation. After extended maceration, the wine was pressed to age in neutral French oak, and then bottled unfiltered and unfined

Occasional wine note

Love this Zin and the 30 other varietals the winemaker added here. Great ripe dark fruit with lots of earthy tones and a nice dose of pepper.

What experts say about this wine

100

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2020 Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard is more brooding, with pine, fresh black plum, and baking spice. The palate is ripe with brambly mixed berries, warming alcohol, and fine tannins that emerge. Allow another year in bottle or so and enjoy 2023-2034.

100

Wine Spectator

Impeccably built and sleekly styled, with expressive black cherry and plum flavors that are accented by cinnamon and other baking spices, plus hints of orange zest and pepper.

pairing recommendation