Carslisle 2017 Integral Proprietary Red, Russian River Valley – 94+ Points

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Winery Notes: “In the first two vintages of The Integral, 2015 and 2016, we simply combined all the Mourvèdre and Syrah in tank and let ‘er rip. But with our blocks at Radiant Ridge Vineyard, the source for this wine, now in full production, we took a more measured approach in this vintage. Some of the Syrah was fermented as 100% whole-cluster while we cofermented the remaining Syrah and Mourvèdre in various combinations and whole-cluster amounts. In the end, the 100% whole-cluster Syrah made the final blend along with a tank of 50/50 fully de-stemmed Syrah and Mourvèdre, and a tank of 44% Mourvèdre (all whole cluster) and 56% Syrah (fully destemmed). We really dodged a bullet as two days after picking this vineyard, the fires broke out and the vineyard became inaccessible for two weeks. Miraculously, despite burning completely around the vineyard, the property incurred no significant damage. Phew! “

Tasting Notes: Medium-dark to dark ruby-purple. Lifted aromas of black olive, smoked game, and spice. Smells quite savory and delicious. Medium-full bodied on the palate, notes of spice and earth weave in and out of the black and blue fruit flavors. Tannins are quite fine at this early stage but with the high percentage of whole cluster and Mourvèdre, this wine is definitely built for aging.  If you plan to drink it now, I highly recommend a good two hour decanting.  Enjoy till 2030, and perhaps even beyond.

Jeb Dunnuck 94+ Points: “Coming from a single vineyard in the cooler Bennett Valley (although the site is so unique they don’t label this wine as from Bennett Valley), the 2017 The Integral checks in as 62% Syrah and 38% Mourvèdre that had the Syrah mostly destemmed and the Mourvèdre fermented with 100% whole clusters. Deep purple-hued with notes of smoke blue fruits, bloody minerality, charcoal, and graphite, it’s medium to full-bodied, concentrated, backward, and structured. Hide bottles for 4-5 years and it’s going to keep for over a decade.”