Zinfandel lovers: today's pre-arrival feature is all for you! Resplendent with ripe fruit characters and brought into pitch-perfect balance by bright acidity, it will light up your senses and make an indelible impression on your brain. Jump on the chance to own a few bottles of this sensational, single-vineyard zin
while you have the chance!
Mike Officer became enthralled with wine at 19, when his older sister threw a dinner party and gave him a glass of late-harvest riesling. Although he launched a career in software development after graduating from college, wine as a vocation rather than a hobby was always at the back of his mind.
For several years, he and his wife, Kendall, made zinfandel wines in their kitchen; these efforts compelled them to move to Santa Rosa, where they fell in love with old, twisted zinfandel vines that produced fruit laden with character and history.
In 1998, Mike and Kendall launched Carlisle Winery & Vineyards, focusing on old-vine zinfandel as well as Rhône varietals syrah, grenache, mourvèdre, and petite sirah. They were joined by friend and enologist Jay Maddox, who helped them ramp up production enough so that they could leave their software jobs and commit fully to winemaking.
Today, Carlisle Winery & Vineyards produces about 10000 cases annually of artisanally-crafted old-vine zinfandels and Rhône style wines from some of Sonoma’s most exceptional vineyard sites.
The 2021 Saitone Ranch Zinfandel is sourced from 126-year-old vines and is blended with 1% carignan. It has gorgeous, hi-toned berry and blood orange aromas that leap from the glass. A subtle but pleasing earthiness emerges on the backend of the sniff. Full-bodied but with ample acidity, it feels lighter on its feet than is typical of a wine of this concentration. Flavors of cherry, pomegranate, and red licorice extend through the lip-smacking finish. Drink from release if you prefer your zins fresh and fruity or give it a few years and enjoy through 2033. (winemaker notes)
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)
Order the 2021 Carlisle Winery & Vineyards Saitone Ranch Zinfandel between now and Monday, November 17th, at 4 PM. Orders will be ready for pickup on Thursday, November 20th, after 4 PM.
CHEERS!
ABV: 15%
