Carlisle 2022 Papera Ranch Zinfandel, Russian River Valley

       
Limited new Zinfandel from Carlisle.

95 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "A youthful magenta/purple-tinged color, the Carlisle 2022 Zinfandel Papera Ranch reveals more high-toned aromas of cinnamon, juicy fresh mixed berry fruit, and fresh pine. Medium to full-bodied, it has a more linear feel at this stage. It’ss going to take time to open up and show its best, but I love its more nervous energy at this stage already. Drink 2025-2040. I love it."

95 Points Wine Spectator: "Impeccably structured and rich with personality, this red captures the essence of Russian River Zin, offering dark cherry and blackberry flavors accented by fruitcake spices, dried fig, orange oil and savory pepper tones that finish with youthful but polished tannins. Drink now through 2035. 1,044 cases made."

Robert Parker: "...From humble beginnings in 1998, Carlisle continues to go from strength to strength, growing from a solid philosophy of sourcing mainly Zinfandel and Rhône varieties from ancient vineyards in Sonoma and further afield. So, most of the vines used by Mike and Kendall Officer were planted from 1888 to 1934. From 2013, they have their own winery in which to create their magic—the old Robert Mueller winery in Russian River Valley."

Just a stone's throw from Carlisle Vineyard, this grande dame of the Russian River Valley was planted in 1934 by Celestino (Charlie) Papera. While many old-vine vineyards contain plenty of mixed black varieties, most of the blocks at Papera Ranch are 95+% Zinfandel. One block, however, does contain a significant amount of Carignan with a sprinkling of Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Valdiguié. Given its cool location, this is one of our later Zinfandel vineyards to be picked.