2015 Zinfandel Papera Ranch

The Carlisle 2016s are quite possibly the most brilliant wines I have ever tasted from Mike Officer. A move towards picking on the earlier side than in the past along with the natural virtues of the vintage come together to yield a set of thrilling, captivating wines of the very highest level. According to Officer 2016 was shaping up to be similar to 2015, until cool weather arrived in August and slowed down ripening, which, in turn, extended hang time by a few weeks. The only problem with the 2016s is that readers may not be able to buy all the wines given the vast number of compelling bottlings in this range. I would be thrilled to drink any of these wines any day of the week. They are every bit that outstanding. Even better, pricing remains exceedingly fair by any standard or measure. Readers who can find these wines should not hesitate, as they are truly magnificent.

(Originally published in Sonoma Preview: January 2018 New Releases)

There are plenty of highlights in this set of new and upcoming releases from Carlisle and propreitor Mike Officer. The first thing that is evident is a move towards slightly earlier picking and an overall stylistic evolution that seeks to bring out more aromatic freshness, brighter acids and generally more finesse. Just a few years ago, the wines were impenetrably dark. Today, they are much more red-toned in color and livelier. Even with those developments, there is still plenty of the depth that has long been a signature at Carlisle.