Carlisle Martinelli Road Vineyard Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, USA

卡爾麗絲馬蒂內(nèi)利路園仙粉黛干紅葡萄酒

點(diǎn)擊次數(shù)：2427

From a site planted in 1880, the 2011 Zinfandel Martinelli Road Vineyard jumps from the glass with a burst of sweet red cherries, flowers and mint. Ripe, silky tannins lend an element of total grace and exquisite overall harmony. In 2011 the Martinelli Road is impeccably polished. Floral notes give the finish an attractive lifted quality that is undeniably appealing. This is dazzling! Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. Proprietor Mike Officer arrived with a bevy of wines for our tasting, all of which I was thrilled to sample. Readers who don’t think terroir exists in California should check out the Carlisle Zinfandels and Syrahs, many of which emerge from old-vine, heritage sites that nearly disappeared until Officer and some of his peers rescued them from the brink of oblivion. In particular, the 2011 Zinfandels are fabulous. Officer describes 2011 as a very late harvest. The Syrahs were all picked after the rains, while the thinner-skinned Zinfandels naturally came in quite a bit earlier. Officer told me he performed a severe selection of fruit that took with it a full 50% of the production. For his efforts, Officer has been rewarded with a set of gorgeous wines, although I imagine his faithful clientele won’t be too thrilled with the lower production levels of these wines, given their already minuscule production. Unfortunately, 2011 Compagni Portis and Gruner Veltliner were to be bottled right after this tasting, so I will have to wait until another opportunity to sample those wines. Carlisle is resolute in keeping his wines affordable, a commendable approach I wish were more common throughout California.Tel. (707) 566-7700

The 2009 Zinfandel Martinelli Road Vineyard (100% Zinfandel with 16.3% alcohol) is from a vineyard planted in the 1880s and situated near the Martinelli family's famed Jackass Vineyard. Earthy, peppery, spicy notes intermixed with hints of lavender, black cherries, plums, figs and forest floor emerge from this spicy cuvee. Displaying great intensity, massive richness and a huge, unctuously textured finish (16.3% alcohol), it, too, should be consumed over the next 7-8 years. It is amazing to think that fifteen years ago no one had ever heard of Carlisle Winery and Vineyards or Mike Officer. Moreover, what Officer has done to preserve old vine Zinfandel vineyards in Sonoma is nothing short of astonishing. Add to that success story his sensational line-up of Syrahs, Petite Sirahs and Rhone Ranger blends and it is undeniable that this man and his winery are at the top of their game. These are artisanal, world-class reds that remain among California's most fairly priced high quality wines. Following is a look at the 2008s from bottle as well as a preview of the charming, seductive 2009s. Mike Officer says 2009 is a strong year for his wines, but since he has done nearly everything right, it is hard for me to say his 2009s are better than previous vintages. Certainly he will not have much production in 2010 given all the issues Zinfandel vineyards had in that year. Readers who love these wines are advised to stock up on what is left of the 2008s as well as the upcoming 2009s.Tel. (707) 566-7700; Fax (707) 566-7200