2011 Carlisle Zinfandel Saitone Ranch
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Tasting notes
Another highlight in this range, the 2011 Zinfandel Saitone Ranch is distinguished by its bright veins of underlying salinity and minerality. Here, it is the wine's focus that stands out most. Bright floral notes meld into juicy red berries, spices, mint and licorice. There is a sense of lift to the finish that I find especially appealing. Saitone Ranch was planted in 1895, which is remarkable for California, where the overwhelming majority of sites are much, much younger. The blend is 92% Zinfandel and 8% mixed blacks.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Zinfandel Saitone Ranch, an addition to the lineup, is stunningly beautiful. Violets, dark fruit, olives and black fruits licorice asphalt and tar come to life in an utterly vivid Zinfandel endowed with pure depth and precision. Layers of fruit continue to build in the glass, leading to a rich, creamy finish that is captivating in its beauty.
(made from vines planted in 1895; includes 8% other grapes: alicante bouschet, grand noir and petit bouschet; 15.3% alcohol and a pH of 3.48): Glass-staining ruby. Deeply pitched aromas of dark berry preserves, cola, incense and candied lavender, with a smoky overtone. Sweet, penetrating blackberry and blueberry flavors show impressive clarity and pick up a spicy quality with air. Rich but lively, with excellent finishing clarity and gentle tannic grip.
The 2011 Zinfandel Saitone Ranch, an addition to the lineup, is stunningly beautiful. Violets, dark fruit, olives, licorice, asphalt and tar come to life in an utterly vivid Zinfandel endowed with pure depth and precision. Layers of fruit continue to build in the glass, leading to a rich, creamy finish that is captivating in its beauty. 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