Introduction:
The 2021 Carlisle Saitone Vineyard Zinfandel is a compelling expression of Sonoma’s historic old vines. Sourced from one of the Russian River Valley’s most treasured Zinfandel sites, this wine marries power with finesse, delivering a beautifully layered experience. Its signature fruit intensity, grounded by vibrant acidity and mineral depth, showcases Carlisle’s mastery of single-vineyard Zinfandel.

Terrior:
The Saitone Vineyard, planted in 1895, sits on the Piner-Olivet bench in the Russian River Valley. Dry-farmed and organically managed, these head-trained vines grow on alluvial, gravelly soils that contribute to the site’s hallmark freshness and concentration. The cool coastal influence preserves acidity, while the age of the vines delivers structure and depth.

Appearance:
Deep ruby-purple with a vibrant, clear rim. The wine shows excellent clarity and density, with moderate to high viscosity signaling richness and extract.

Nose:
Aromatic and complex, the bouquet reveals ripe raspberry, black cherry, and blood orange, followed by notes of sweet tobacco, lavender, baking spices, and crushed rock. Hints of peppercorn and subtle oak toast lend further nuance.

Palate:
Full-bodied yet precise, the palate bursts with bright red and black fruits—pomegranate, blackberry, and dark cherry—framed by zesty acidity and polished tannins. The texture is rich but not heavy, with a mineral lift that carries through to the finish. Oak influence is subtle, allowing the purity of fruit and site expression to shine.

Finish:
Long and refreshing, with lingering flavors of red berries, spice, and savory earth. A touch of licorice and saline minerality lingers, supported by fine tannins and vibrant energy.

Overall Impression:
The 2021 Carlisle Saitone Vineyard Zinfandel is a powerful yet balanced wine that honors the heritage of one of California’s oldest Zinfandel vineyards. With its bright acidity, layered fruit, and subtle complexity, it offers immediate pleasure and cellar potential. A textbook example of site-driven, old-vine California Zinfandel.

Recommended Food Pairings:
Meat Dish: Grilled ribeye with rosemary and sea salt or pork shoulder with pomegranate glaze.
Vegetarian Option: Grilled portobello mushrooms with balsamic glaze or eggplant caponata over polenta.
Cheese / Charcuterie Pairing: Aged Gouda or dry-aged cheddar with soppressata, fennel salami, and pickled vegetables.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 15.0%
Farming Practices: Dry-farmed, organically managed, hand-harvested, low-intervention winemaking
Producer Name: Carlisle Winery & Vineyards
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: USA
Region: California – Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Grape Varietals: Zinfandel (~99%) with small field-blend components of heritage varieties
Vintage: 2021
Wine Style: Red, Full-bodied, Barrel-aged
Winemaking Techniques: Destemmed, cold soaked, fermented with native yeasts, 19 days on skins, aged in French oak (14% new) for 17 months, bottled unfined and unfiltered
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Standard wine bottle
Closure Style: Natural cork

Check out the press!

95 points, Jeb Dunnuck:

"The 2021 Zinfandel Saitone Vineyard has a light touch of reductive lift on opening before revealing its more potent liqueur of ripe fruits and Luxardo cherry, boysenberry and raspberry preserve, black pepper, and lavender. Full-bodied, it offers more lift on the palate, with tangy red berries, crunchy fresh herbs, and wild flowers. It is long on the palate, with lift and a savory appeal." (7/23)

95 points, Vinous:

"The 2021 Zinfandel Saitone Vineyard is bright, effusive, and full of character. A wine of total nuance and class, the 2021 is immediately captivating right out of the gate. Orange peel, cinnamon, red/purplish fruit, and subtle earthy notes abound. Floral, citrus, and spice notes lift the finish. This mid-weight, flavorful Zinfandel is lights out." (1/23)

94 points, Wine Spectator:

"Supple and dynamic, with richly layered blackberry cobbler flavors accented with bramble, licorice, and savory pepper notes as this red's complexity builds toward polished tannins." (6/24)