Carlisle Petite Sirah, California, USA

卡爾麗絲小西拉干紅葡萄酒

點擊次數：5272

This 100% Petite Sirah aged in 28% new oak. The 2017 Petite Sirah is deep purple-black in the glass and explosive on the nose, with violet and lilac, blueberry and tar scents over an impenetrable core of blackcurrants plus accents of charred meats, spices, flowers and bitter chocolate. Full-bodied, it’s a behemoth in the mouth, opening to plum notes, with a straight jacket of very firm, very chewy tannins and just enough freshness to counter the density. 151 cases were made.

A blend of 92% Petite Sirah and 8% Syrah, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Petite Sirah has a very compelling perfume of violets and baking spices over a core of kirsch, blackberry pie and wild blueberries with a touch of peppercorn. Full-bodied, concentrated and rich, it has a firm frame of chewy tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long and earthy. 292 cases produced.

The 2015 Petite Sirah largely comes from the Rossi Ranch in Sonoma, but there is also some fruit included from the Palisades Vineyard in Napa. This is a blockbuster Petite Sirah. Inky opaque blue/black in color, notes of white flowers, blackberry and blueberry, creosote and charcoal are followed by a full-bodied, powerful wine with surprisingly lofty alcohol for Petite Sirah (15.5%). This is being aged in 50% new French oak and will be bottled unfined and unfiltered. If you love Petite Sirah, this is one to have. It will age for 25-35+ years.

The 2013 Petite Sirah, which is mostly from the Rossi Ranch in Sonoma, with additions from Dry Creek and the Santa Lucia Highlands, is a big boy at 15% alcohol, but only 196 cases were produced. This is classic Petite Sirah, black/bluish/purple in color and opaque to the rim, with stunningly sweet tannins (which is wonderful to see) and a creamy, savory, expansive and full-bodied mouthfeel. This is a killer wine to drink over the next 20-25 years.

Even bigger, richer and potentially more promising, but limited in availability is the 2008 Petite Sirah Dry Creek. Made from 100% Petite Sirah that has been 100% destemmed and aged in neutral French oak, there are fewer than 50 cases of this killer wine. However, it will not be ready for prime time drinking for at least another five years and it should still be delicious 30 years from now. 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