Wine Article
2019 Carlisle Two Acres
Last edited on 12/2/2022 by KTM1253
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Two Acres hails from the remaining two acres of what was once a much larger vineyard planted in 1910. This is where it all began for me, where I found my love for nurturing and protecting historic vineyards and where I became interested in ampelography, the field of identifying vine varieties through their physical characteristics. Originally, I was told the vineyard was old-vine Zinfandel but after a bit of homework, I discovered it was mostly Mourvèdre with bits of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Peloursin, Carignan, and Alicante Bouschet. And yes, there were indeed five Zinfandel vines. Picked October 19th, given the stem maturity (i.e., the stems were highly lignified), we opted for a bit more whole cluster than usual, 33% to be exact. Twenty-six days on the skins. Aged in all French Oak, 18% new, and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note: Medium ruby-garnet. Cherry Jolly Ranchers, cedar, and a whiff of old rose vie for attention in the nose. On the palate, flavors of cherry, red licorice, and smoked game as only Two Acres can provide. As usual, very creamy in texture with a long, mildly tannic finish. Such an elegant, graceful, and unique wine. This is truly a California original! While enjoyable now, given its exceptional balance, this will age and develop gracefully for up to 15 years from vintage date.
Two Acres hails from the remaining two acres of what was once a much larger vineyard planted in 1910. This is where it all began for me, where I found my love for nurturing and protecting historic vineyards and where I became interested in ampelography, the field of identifying vine varieties through their physical characteristics. Originally, I was told the vineyard was old-vine Zinfandel but after a bit of homework, I discovered it was mostly Mourvèdre with bits of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Peloursin, Carignan, and Alicante Bouschet. And yes, there were indeed five Zinfandel vines. Picked October 19th, given the stem maturity (i.e., the stems were highly lignified), we opted for a bit more whole cluster than usual, 33% to be exact. Twenty-six days on the skins. Aged in all French Oak, 18% new, and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note: Medium ruby-garnet. Cherry Jolly Ranchers, cedar, and a whiff of old rose vie for attention in the nose. On the palate, flavors of cherry, red licorice, and smoked game as only Two Acres can provide. As usual, very creamy in texture with a long, mildly tannic finish. Such an elegant, graceful, and unique wine. This is truly a California original! While enjoyable now, given its exceptional balance, this will age and develop gracefully for up to 15 years from vintage date.