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: 2012 Carlisle "Papa's Block" Russian River Valley Syrah

2012 Carlisle "Papa's Block" Russian River Valley Syrah

SKU #1171732 94-96 points Wine Advocate

Outer quote mark The 2012 Syrah Papa’s Block (100% Syrah) is a 400-case cuvee that achieved 14.5% natural alcohol. Thirty percent whole clusters were used, and about 20% new French oak. The wine exhibits lots of blackberry fruit, charcoal and spring flower characteristics in a full-bodied, opulent, irresistible, richly fruity, plush style. (RP) Inner quote mark (12/2013)

92-95 points Vinous

Outer quote mark The 2012 Syrah Papa's Block is compelling. A rich, sweeping, dramatic wine, the 2012 flows across the palate with stunning depth, power and intensity. Black cherry, plum, licorice, smoke and a host of dark flavors saturate the palate on the finish. A rich, voluptuous wine, the 2012 is shaping up to be special. The 2012 is 100% Syrah fermented with 30% whole clusters. (AG) Inner quote mark (2/2014)

93 points Int'l Wine Cellar

Outer quote mark Inky purple. Lively, mineral-laced dark berry and cherry scents are complicated by notes of cola, Indian spices and violet. Smoky and precise on the palate, offering intense blackcurrant and cherry liqueur flavors that are given depth by a touch of candied licorice. Closes spicy and precise, with silky tannins and a bright mineral quality that adds bite. (JR) Inner quote mark (6/2014)

91 points Wine Spectator

Outer quote mark While firm and potent, this shows a seam of suppleness midpalate on, carrying the dark berry, mocha, cigar box and wild berry flavors. Reveals great length and harmony on the finish. (JL) Inner quote mark (11/2014)

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2012 Carlisle "Papa's Block" Russian River Valley Syrah

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Varietal:

Shiraz/Syrah

- One of France's noblest black grape varieties, Syrah is known for its intense and distinctive perfume reminiscent of briar fruit, tar, spice and black pepper and its firm structure. One of few black grape varietals frequently vinified on its own, the best examples of Syrah come from the Northern Rhône, particularly Hermitage, but also Côte-Rôtie, Cornas, Crozes-Hermitage and St-Joseph. These wines are very astringent in their youth, though some Crozes-Hermitage and St-Joseph can be enjoyed young, relatively speaking. Given the requisite patience, though, these wines can reveal amazing complexity and secondary fruit characteristics like plum and blackcurrant as well as subtle hints of smoke and flowers. In the Southern Rhône, Syrah is used to add structure and complexity to wines dominated by Grenache and complemented by Mourvèdre, like the more immediately drinkable Côte du Rhônes, as well as the long-lived wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In recent years, plantings of Syrah have spread throughout the Languedoc-Roussillon where it is produced on its own or blended with other varietals. Outside of France, the most important Syrah growing country is easily Australia, where it is called Shiraz. Quality levels here depend greatly on yields and geography, and the wines range from bold, fruity and easy-drinking to intense and ageable, like the famed Penfolds Grange. Often bottled on its own, in Australia Syrah is also can be blended with Grenache and Mourvèdre, as in the Southern Rhône, and is increasingly combined with Cabernet Sauvignon. Syrah has also been steadily increasing in popularity in California, thanks to a group of advocates called the Rhône Rangers. Its most successful iterations come from the Central and Sonoma Coasts, where winemakers are pushing boundaries and creating some incredible wines. In recent years Syrah has also found a number of proponents in Washington State, which is definitely a region to watch for this variety.

Country:

United States

- When people consider domestic wine, they normally think about the state of California. The fine viticultural Region within California, including the Napa Valley, Sonoma, Santa Cruz Mountains, Mendocino and Santa Barbara, are capable of growing grapes of world-class quality. But there's plenty of fabulous wine coming from other states, too. Oregon, Washington and New York are also causing eyebrows (and glassware) to be raised around the world.

Sub-Region:

California

- With the explosive growth that California's wine industry has seen the past several years, it's easy to view winemaking and grape growing in the Golden State as a recent phenomenon. And while it's true that California's viticultural history is brief compared to several European countries, this state's roots date back well over 200 years. Due to the enormous response to California wine within the United States and worldwide, there are thousands of excellent and diverse wines being produced within the state each year.

Specific Appellation:

Alexander Valley/Russian River

- Among Sonoma County's northernmost appellations, the Alexander Valley AVA acts as a gateway to neighboring Napa to the east and Mendocino to the north. It is a sprawling appellation, with pockets of distinct microclimates and soils, and as such, is home to a variety of wine grapes and styles. Nearly everything grows in the Alexander Valley, though Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are the most widely planted grapes. The Russian River Valley lies to the south of Alexander Valley, and is marked by much cooler temperatures and frequently heavy fog. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grown here are some of the state's finest and most sought-after. Aromatic whites like Gewürztraminer and Riesling can also be successful, and sparkling wine production has a long history in the area.