2013 Carlisle Two Acres
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Tasting notes
One of my favorite wines from Officer is the 2013 Two Acres, an intriguing blend dominated by Mourvèdre (72%), and the rest Carignan, Petite Sirah, Peloursin, Syrah and Alicante Bouschet. Mike Officer has always done an amazing job with this tiny two-acre vineyard planted in 1910, which he calls the products from “lip-smacking delicious.” I can’t really improve upon that description. Using indigenous yeast fermentation and only about 50% new oak, the 2013 Two Acres is a remarkably elegant, Mediterranean-styled wine that is reminiscent of a stylish Châteauneuf du Pape, for lack of a better comparison. The wine has loads of raspberry fruit, vague hints of spice box, pepper and maybe beef, but the floweriness and sweet purity (the wine is totally dry, but the 15% alcohol adds lots of glycerin to the texture) makes for a seductive wine. It is luscious and best drunk over the next 5-7 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The only wine Carlisle has made every single vintage since 1998. 75% Mourvèdre, and 25% mainly Syrah relatives. The vineyard he brought back from the grave. About 300 cases. Intense and great balance. Enormous charm and round and freshness. Sweet and herby. Unique in California. (JR)
The 2013 Red Wine Two Acres, Carlisle's Mourvedre-based blend is built on immediacy. A rush of dark fruit races across the palate in a juicy, voluptuous wine to drink now and over the next few years. There is plenty to like, although I don't quite see the pedigree of the very best wines in the range.