Carlisle Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard Russian River Valley 2023

Carlisle Vineyards represents the pinnacle of California’s viticulture, acting as a steward for some of the oldest and most soulful vines in the state. Founded by Mike Officer, the winery has become a beacon for “Mixed Blacks” field blends, specifically focusing on pre-Prohibition vineyards that survived through sheer resilience.

What makes Carlisle unique is their refusal to compromise on the integrity of these ancient sites; they treat Zinfandel with the same reverence and technical precision usually reserved for Grand Cru Burgundy. By focusing on low yields and site-specific bottling, Carlisle captures a level of nuance—ranging from brambly fruit and exotic spices to deep, savory earth—that effectively redefines what the variety is capable of achieving.

The true brilliance of Carlisle lies in its role as the industry’s bell standard for balance and variety-driven purity. In a category that often veers toward over-extracted and jammy “fruit bombs,” Mike Officer produces wines that are remarkably light on their feet, driven by a vibrant acidity and an intricate structural web. Their wines are not just powerful expressions of fruit; they are liquid history books, preserving the complex DNA of California’s viticultural past. This dedication to “vineyard first” winemaking ensures that every bottle offers a crystalline reflection of its specific terroir, setting a benchmark for elegance and longevity that remains unmatched in the world of Zinfandel.