2008 Carlisle Three Birds

After a four year hiatus, Officer's homage to Chateauneuf du Pape returns in full glory. The 2008 Three Birds, a blend of 78% Grenache, 16% Mourvedre, and 6% Syrah, is a knock-out wine. From relatively new plantings that came from Alban cuttings of Grenache (rumor says they were taken from the Rayas vineyard), this promising 2008 was aged in neutral French oak, and is scheduled to be bottled without fining or filtration. Explosive notes of kirsch liqueur, lavender, licorice, and loamy earth jump from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-tinted wine. Dense, full-bodied, sexy, and seductive, it is a round, opulent, smooth wine that should continue to be a crowd-pleaser. Moreover, it is a fabulous bargain!

Author: Robert Parker