Wine Article
2021 Carlisle Zinfandel Bedrock Vineyard
Last edited on 11/22/2023 by roxles
There are 2 versions of this article / View version history
From Carlisle's website -
Composition & Production Notes:
95% Zinfandel
5% Mixed Black Varieties (Petite Sirah, Carignan, Alicante Bouschet,
Mourvèdre)
pH: 3.81, T.A.: 5.7 g/L, Alcohol: 14.4%, Cases Produced: 122
None of our vineyards in 2021 were as severely impacted by the drought as Bedrock Vineyard. Hence, on September 8th a paltry 2.1 tons were picked from approximately 3 acres. But if Mother Nature punished us in quantity, she rewarded us in quality. To increase mouthfeel and enhance varietal character, the must was cold soaked for 5 days and then inoculated with Torulaspora delbrueckii, a fermentative yeast found naturally in vineyards and on grapes but not particularly alcohol tolerant. Several days later the must was inoculated with D254, one of our favorite strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, to ensure a complete fermentation. Worked like a charm! Pressed to all French oak, 18% new, and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium dark ruby-garnet. Red cherries, brown tobacco leaves, and briar patch are front and center in the bright and effusive aromas. On the palate, medium-full bodied with flavors of cherry, menthol, and savory herbs (the briar patch?). Compared to previous years, a bit more deeply fruited and concentrated. Tannins are present but well buffered. My favorite Bedrock Zin in the last several years. Enjoy from release with a decant or lay it down for a couple of years and enjoy through 2034. (MRO - 07/15/23) 2025-2034 11/07/2023
Suggested Retail: $54 - Sold Out, Release Date: November 2023
Composition & Production Notes:
95% Zinfandel
5% Mixed Black Varieties (Petite Sirah, Carignan, Alicante Bouschet,
Mourvèdre)
pH: 3.81, T.A.: 5.7 g/L, Alcohol: 14.4%, Cases Produced: 122
None of our vineyards in 2021 were as severely impacted by the drought as Bedrock Vineyard. Hence, on September 8th a paltry 2.1 tons were picked from approximately 3 acres. But if Mother Nature punished us in quantity, she rewarded us in quality. To increase mouthfeel and enhance varietal character, the must was cold soaked for 5 days and then inoculated with Torulaspora delbrueckii, a fermentative yeast found naturally in vineyards and on grapes but not particularly alcohol tolerant. Several days later the must was inoculated with D254, one of our favorite strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, to ensure a complete fermentation. Worked like a charm! Pressed to all French oak, 18% new, and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium dark ruby-garnet. Red cherries, brown tobacco leaves, and briar patch are front and center in the bright and effusive aromas. On the palate, medium-full bodied with flavors of cherry, menthol, and savory herbs (the briar patch?). Compared to previous years, a bit more deeply fruited and concentrated. Tannins are present but well buffered. My favorite Bedrock Zin in the last several years. Enjoy from release with a decant or lay it down for a couple of years and enjoy through 2034. (MRO - 07/15/23) 2025-2034 11/07/2023
Suggested Retail: $54 - Sold Out, Release Date: November 2023