Carlisle Winery & Vineyards

Montafi Vineyard Zinfandel

9.244 ratings
9.17 pro ratings
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Zinfandel
Lamb, Chicken, Turkey, White Rice, Pasta, Potato, Herbs, Mushrooms, Soft Cheese, Chili & Hot Spicy, Tomato-Based, Duck, Exotic Spices, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Pork, Baking Spices, Pungent Cheese, Beef, Onion, Shallot, Garlic
Top Notes For
Duane Mason

2014. A lot of prune. Hint of blackberry fruit but more leather and tobacco . Did not age that well but still a nice wine.

2014. A lot of prune. Hint of blackberry fruit but more leather and tobacco . Did not age that well but still a nice wine.

Dec 6th, 2021
Paul Mason

Over the hill despite being aged at 55 since I got it. Still drinkable but declining fast.

Over the hill despite being aged at 55 since I got it. Still drinkable but declining fast.

Aug 30th, 2019
Tom Kobylarz

Flirts with Zin perfection. This has elegance, with concentrated, deep and fresh strawberry, currants and blueberries with exceptional acidity; a silky and lithe texture.

Flirts with Zin perfection. This has elegance, with concentrated, deep and fresh strawberry, currants and blueberries with exceptional acidity; a silky and lithe texture.

Jan 15th, 2015
Aaron Means

Incredible Zin. Best Carlisle yet.

Incredible Zin. Best Carlisle yet.

Dec 14th, 2014
Alex Hill

Big concentrated fruit with an anise/licorice edge. Nicely structured to age a few years.

Big concentrated fruit with an anise/licorice edge. Nicely structured to age a few years.

Nov 28th, 2014
Randy Fillingim

It’s a Zinfandel from Carlisle. What do you expect? One of the top producers of this variety in all of the country. 

It’s a Zinfandel from Carlisle. What do you expect? One of the top producers of this variety in all of the country. 

Nov 2nd, 2023
Doug Griffin

Does need some time but delicious now. Cherry raspberry, spice, pepper, wet stone, sappy texture

Does need some time but delicious now. Cherry raspberry, spice, pepper, wet stone, sappy texture

Apr 17th, 2020
Adam Eagan

Very young powerful example of the varietal. Great concentration without being heavy. Beautiful acid line making the blue and black fruits reflect cranberry tones. Killer spice component and firm tannin holds everything together. This winery is batting 1000 with me.

Very young powerful example of the varietal. Great concentration without being heavy. Beautiful acid line making the blue and black fruits reflect cranberry tones. Killer spice component and firm tannin holds everything together. This winery is batting 1000 with me.

Jul 17th, 2019
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9.1

For me, the 2012 Zins from Carlisle are just starting to lose a half-step from their peak. Don’t get me wrong - there’s plenty left in them to enjoy. They just don’t have the same energy, the exuberance that they had a year ago.

For me, the 2012 Zins from Carlisle are just starting to lose a half-step from their peak. Don’t get me wrong - there’s plenty left in them to enjoy. They just don’t have the same energy, the exuberance that they had a year ago.

Apr 30th, 2019
Joe Gillies

Big fruit but overly jammy. Very good for fathers day bbq.

Big fruit but overly jammy. Very good for fathers day bbq.

Jun 17th, 2018