2005 Carlisle Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
Dark purple. Heady aromas of mulberry, raspberry, floral oils and exotic spices are striking for their intensity and focus. This smells like a great New World pinot noir. Pure, sweet and focused, with silky tannins framing vibrant red and dark berry flavors; a subtle mineral tone emerges with air. Luscious and utterly compelling on the long, heady finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The finest wine in this vintage is the stunningly rich 2005 Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard (86% Zinfandel and 14% mixed varietals such as Alicante Bouchet, Petite Sirah, etc.). The densest, richest cuvee, it shows striking minerality intermixed with blackberries, black raspberries, kirsch, pepper, and spice. There are 272 cases of this pure, full-bodied, intense Zinfandel. It is a candidate for Zinfandel of the year in this tricky vintage. Readers should not hesitate to get on Carlisle’s mailing list before the world discovers what compelling beverages are being produced here. Not yet released. Previously recommended: 2003 Petite Sirah (94+), 2003 Syrah Bennett Valley (95), 2003 Syrah Pelkan Ranch (93), 2003 Two Acres (94), 2003 Zinfandel Dry Creek (91), 2003 Zinfandel Sonoma County (91), 2003 Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard (93), 2003 Zinfandel Fava Ranch (92), 2003 Zinfandel Riebli Ranch (90), 2003 Zinfandel Rossi Ranch (94), 2003 Zinfandel Tom Feeney Ranch (95). Tel. (707) 566-7700; Fax (707) 566-7200