Assorted Carlisle Sonoma Zinfandel Tasting Lot

“The 2011 Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard is surprisingly soft and supple for a wine from this historic hillside vineyard. The dark, charred, mineral-laden notes that are typical of this site are present, but very much in the background today. The 2011 surprises for its juiciness, which nearly covers the mountain tannins. Blue and black fruits, cloves, violets and camphor add complexity on the plush, inviting finish. The 2011 appears to have at least good mid-term aging potential. It is yet another standout in a portfolio full of highlights. (AG)” (04/2013)

“Saturated ruby. Displays assertive aromas of black and blue fruit liqueur, anise, potpourri and peppery spices. Plush, palate-coating boysenberry and cassis flavors of outstanding density and energy are complemented by suggestions of candied lavender, vanilla and allspice. Silky tannins make a late appearance and are quickly absorbed by the wine's intensely concentrated fruit. This one won't let go of the the palate. According to Officer these vines are 125 years old. (ST)” (06/2013)

“A complete package, with deep and distinctive fruit and a focused core of balanced acidity and tannins. Aromas of dark cherry, spice cake and clay lead to layered plum, cinnamon and fennel flavors. *Highly Recommended* (TF)” (10/2013)

“Pomegranate, iron, smoke, tobacco and orange peel all meld together in the 2012 Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard. All the elements fall into place in firm, intense mountain Zinfandel loaded with class and pedigree. Today, the Monte Rosso comes across as one of the more raw, unformed wines in this lineup. The blend is 96% Zinfandel and 4% Grand Noir. (AG)” (02/2014)

“Opaque purple. Smoky dark berries and floral oils on the deeply perfumed nose. Energetic black and blue fruit aromas are complemented by smoky minerality and a hint of candied licorice. Supple tannins add shape and gentle grip to the plush dark fruit liqueur flavors, which gain spiciness and depth on the finish. (ST)” (05/2014)

“Dense, ripe and structured, with black raspberry, orange zest and red clay aromas, offering zesty flavors of plum, cracked pepper and bitter chocolate. The tannins muscle up on the finish. (TF)” (10/2014)

“From a famous site planted in 1886, the 2012 Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard is composed of 94% Zinfandel and 6% Grand Noir, and achieved 15.3% natural alcohol. Made with a Pinot Noir-like sensitivity, fully destemmed and to be bottled unfined and unfiltered (as all these wines will be), this lovely, berry-scented 2012 offers notes of loamy soil, pepper, spice, black cherries and black raspberries. It is not the biggest or most concentrated of these 2012s, but it has undeniable elegance. (RP)” (12/2013)

“The 2013 Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard is a big step up from some of the other wines in the range. Intensely high-toned, nuanced and brilliant, the 2013 impresses for its striking tension, much of which comes from the high-altitude site. Not a shy wine by any means, the Monte Rosso simply screams of Mt. Veeder. Expressive floral and savory notes underpinned by veins of salivating acidity add the final dimensions of complexity. (AG)” (01/2015)

“This substantial wine will age beautifully through 2023, so structured and elegant it is behind its layers and layers of coconut fritter, vanilla and strawberry-raspberry jam. Beguiling in floral violets and lavender, it has streaks of black pepper too, ending in a dream-like trance of earthy dust. *Cellar Selection*” (10/2015)

“The 2013 Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard was fashioned from ancient vines planted at 1,000-foot elevation in 1886. It possesses a dark ruby/plum color, crisp acidity (rather remarkable), surprising tartness, and a medium-bodied mouthfeel despite the fact it achieved nearly 16% natural alcohol. One of the earliest of these Zinfandel cuvées to achieve full ripeness, this 2013 was still somewhat gnarly and acidic when I tasted it, so I suspect my score is conservative compared to the way it will taste in a year. (RP)” (12/2014)

“Supple and rich up front, but slowly takes on power and tannins toward the finish. Aromas of dark raspberry, orange zest and pepper match complex flavors of wild berry, anise and loamy mineral.” (06/2015)

“Very dark crimson. Gloriously scented and luscious. Broad and very fruity with the chiselled structure of a high-altitude wine. Dry finish. 17.5/20 points.” (02/2015)

“The 2014 Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard is wonderfully lifted and soaring right out of the glass, with intense floral notes and plenty of red-fleshed fruit. A burst of acid and tannin follows as the wine asserts its mountain personality. The Monte Rosso will need quite a bit of time to fully come together, but it has tons of promise, along with the potential to age for many, many years. (AG)” (02/2016)

“Dense, offering aromas of black cherry, licorice and orange zest and plump, rich flavors of blackberry, dark Asian spice and mineral. (TF)” (12/2016)

“Always a stellar marriage of site and winemaker, this shows an intensity of red fruit, forest and brown sugar, a streak of dried herb subtly pushing its way through, too. Full bodied and robust, it has juicy acidity that allows for a freshness in the end. *Cellar Selection* (VB)” (10/2016)

“From the mighty site, this is a mountainous wine, generous and layered with bold big flavor. Plum candy, cinnamon, nutmeg, licorice and raspberry swirl in the glass with tension and grace, finishing in a wrapping of firm oak and tannin. (VB)” (10/2017)

“Briary and well-structured, with expressive wild berry and savory mint aromas and complex, somewhat brooding blackberry and cracked pepper flavors. (TF)” (08/2017)