2012 Carlisle 'Carlisle Vineyard' Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, USA 750ml

From a vineyard planted in 1927, the 2012 Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard (634 cases produced; 15.4% natural alcohol) is composed of 88% Zinfandel and the rest mixed blacks as well as a handful of such white varietals as Muscadelle, Malvasia and Muscat. Remarkably, Mike Officer told me over 30 varietals were planted in the 12% non-Zinfandel component in this wine. A big, sweet bouquet of black raspberries, blackberries, licorice, scorched earth and charcoal is present in this full-bodied, opulent, pure, well-made red that possesses a broad, savory mouthfeel. About 23% new French oak was used, and the wine was produced from tiny yields of 1.5 tons of fruit per acre.