Carlisle Zinfandel Russian River Valley Carlisle Vineyard 2019

94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2019 Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard is a gorgeous, wonderfully complete wine that shows why this site is so highly regarded. Red berry fruit, rose petal, leather, blood orange and spice open in a bouquet that is so compelling. Silky tannins wrap around a huge core of fruit as the Carlisle envelops every corner of the palate. Deep, layered and beautifully persistent, the Carlisle is wonderfully vivid from the very first taste. I loved it. Drink 2024-2039 (Jan 2022)"

94 points Tim Fish (Wine Spectator): "Impressively structured and richly styled, this vibrant version opens to deep raspberry and cherry flavors laced with licorice, sage and mint, building toward broad-shouldered tannins. Drink now through 2030. 696 cases made. (7/31/2022)"

Producer notes: "87% Zinfandel, 13% mixed black varieties (Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Grand Noir, Peloursin, Trousseau noir, Tempranillo, Carignan, Muscadelle, Malvasia, Muscat, Clairette blanche and 28 other varieties). Medium to medium-dark garnet-ruby. A very cool, regal nose provides red cherry, blood orange, menthol, and brown tobacco leaf. I don’t have synesthesia but smelling this wine makes me think I’m feeling velvet. Wild! On the palate, medium-full bodied with lively flavors of cherry, raspberry, iron, and a suggestion of tilled earth. The wine finishes mildly tannic, suggesting further development lies ahead. While a very different animal than our high scoring 2018 (this 2019 is much more red-fruited and open for business), in no way less sublime. In fact, perhaps our finest rendition to date. Enjoy this beautifully textured and balanced Zinfandel from 2022 through 2030."