Carlisle 2021 Syrah Papa’s Block Russian River Valley

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points: “Pouring a deep purple, the 2021 Syrah Papa’s Block is ripe with dark scorched earth, boysenberry marmalade, and forest spices. Full-bodied and generous, with a rounded feel, it offers a good deal of ripe tannins, with cocoa, black plum preserve, and turned soil. Drink this ripe, round, ample red 2025-2040..”

Tasting Notes: Very dark black-purple.  Verging on opaque.  Iris, blackberry, charcuterie, and fresh cream spill from the glass.  Mouthwatering!  On the palate, medium-full bodied with typical Syrah flavors of blackberry, game, white pepper, and violets.  Oh so good.  Tannins build to a crescendo in the lip-smacking finish.  Papa’s is often quite precocious in its youth but this version, perhaps my favorite to date, is definitely built for aging.  Hands off until 2026 and then enjoy the show to 2038, perhaps even longer! .

Winemaker Notes: “Sporting shades of deep purple not normally seen from this thin-skinned varietal, this Pinot Noir from the high elevation slopes of the Sonoma Coast opens with restrained notes of sweet spice and sandalwood before adding layers of dark berry compote and toasted vanilla. Dense and immensely concentrated, the palate offers superb structure surrounded by youthful notes of juicy blackberry, black tea, and Sous-Bois.”