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Carlisle Papera Zinfandel

Carlisle Papera Zinfandel

$84.99

Carlisle is a small, family-owned Sonoma County winery specializing in the production of old-vine, vineyard-designated Zinfandels and red Rhône varieties (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Petite Sirah). They also produce three delicious white wines, two of which are blends from historic, old-vine vineyards plus Sonoma County's first-ever Grüner Veltliner.

750ml ml
Region:USA > California > Russian River Valley
Vintage:2020
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Just a stone's throw from Carlisle Vineyard,  the Papera site is considered the grande dame of the Russian River Valley. It 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.

Tasting note from owner Mike Officer: Medium to medium-dark ruby-red. Very cool, stately aromas of red cherry, cola, and fresh tobacco leaf. On the palate, medium-full bodied. Flavours of red fruits and blood orange take front and center stage, persisting through the long, smooth finish. Not a wine of bombast but instead, one of elegance, purity, and quiet confidence. Wonderful now, this can be enjoyed through at least 2028.

"It all started innocently enough. When I was 19, my older sister who was throwing a dinner party offered me a small glass of amber-coloured syrup. “Ambrosia!” I exclaimed upon tasting the late-harvest Riesling. That was it. I was hooked."

-Mike Officer

Eschewing a job in software development and the city hustle & bustle in favour of making wine in their garage, the Carlisle husband-and-wife team of Mike and Kendall Officer has been making wine under the Carlisle Winery name since 1998. From these humble beginnings, Carlisle Winery & Vineyards has become a Sonoma County gem, producing genuine world-class wines.

Largely specializing in old-vine, vineyard-specific Zinfandels and red Rhone varietals. Carlisle wines are bold and assertive yet impeccably balanced. Differences between vintages and vineyards showcase the deviances amongst Sonoma terroir, which is further expressed by Carlisle's ethos of minimal intervention. Expect impeccable, nuanced wines at an outstanding price.

Carlisle's Estate Vineyard was planted in 1927 and features a field blend of 40 different varietals with Zinfandel being predominant. Mike does no advertising and sells his wine through a mailing list that is over-subscribed. The real advertising is through word of mouth (literally) as his wine’s reputation of affordability and value for such unparalleled quality have sold themselves. 

Carlisle produces approximately 9,000 cases annually and does not want to increase from this level. With very few retail shops carrying Carlisle products, if you find it that is enough reason to purchase. 

Kensington Wine Market is honoured to be one of the few wine shops anywhere able to carry Carlisle.

Above: Zinfandel from Papara Ranch Vineyard just before harvesting.

Above: Zinfandel from Papara Ranch Vineyard just before harvesting.

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