Carlisle Sonoma County Zinfandel 2004

While I like to call Mike Officer's wine, the wine from the company that shall remain nameless, I can't go for long without having a glass or two of his wine. Of course since I got stiffed ordering direct I found several stores to acquire some of his great stuff. Amazing Grapes in Santa Margarita, Ca. had both the Sonoma County ($19.98) and Dry Creek ($26.98) versions of his Zin. (Going fast!) Now I have to state upfront that this is not his Estate wine, but none-the-less they are all good.

I had the Dry Creek last week and would have written a review but I was too enthralled with the wine to care about writing, so tough. But I opened the Sonoma County tonight. This is a wine made from grapes stated to be from both the Dry Creek area and Russian River Valley.

The label says 23% RR Syrah which means that since the wine is classified as "Zinfandel" it needs to have 75% of the stated grape and the balance can be...well anything. However to be from Sonoma County, 85% needs to be from that large area covering that area.

With 210 cases made, unless you jump, this wine is not available. But let me state as fact; Mike Officer makes no bad wine. You heard me. NO BAD WINE! His $20.00 Zin while not an estate wine is mighty fine. A prime example of what Sonoma can be in Zinfandel. He has no peers. But please don't buy any. I have a hard enough time as it is getting my hands on his juice without the competition.

The 2004 Sonoma Zin is dark purple, with a full nose of area fruit and light toasted oak. A full palette of flavor exemplifies Mike's skills as winemaker and grower.

If you are used to $5 Zin...you owe it to yourself to try this or one of Mike's other wines. Not that he needs help selling it. In fact, forget I mentioned it....

Go away!

Here is his breakdown of the wine:
59% Russian River Valley Zinfandel, Fava Ranch
23% Russian River Valley Syrah, Atoosa’s Vineyard
12% Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, Teldeschi Ranch
6% Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, Mounts Ranch

15.8% Alcohol. Zowie!! Read his notes.