The 2017 Zinfandel Rossi Ranch comes from vines planted in 1910 and contains 6% Petite Sirah, Peloursin, Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir and Tannat. Aged in 20% new French oak, it's medium to deep ruby-purple with a core of apricot, nectarine and peach with brown sugar, scorched earth, dried savory herbs, black cherry and baked blackberry with meaty and cocoa hints. Medium to full-bodied, it's intense and spicy with pleasantly chewy tannins and good freshness on the long finish. 276 cases produced.

This is made mainly from vines planted in 1910, which include a few interloper vine varieties and 3% Petite Sirah. The 2016 Zinfandel Rossi Ranch is medium to deep garnet-purple with gorgeous scents of black plum preserves and Black Forest cake plus nuances of allspice, tilled soil, balsamic and black olives. Full, rich and decadent in the mouth, it sports a chewy frame and plenty of freshness, finishing on a lingering earthy note. 191 cases produced.

As for the 2015 Zinfandel Rossi Ranch, this is 100% Zinfandel from low yields, coming from vines planted in 1910 (which makes it a youngster compared to the 122-year-old vines of the Bedrock Vineyard). This has a deep ruby/purple color and oodles of raspberries, Proven?al herbs, pepper and strawberries. This elegant, medium-bodied, lusty Zin (15.4% alcohol) should drink well for 5-8 years.

The 2013 Zinfandel Rossi Ranch (15.8% natural alcohol) exhibits Rh?ne-like notes of wild strawberries, black cherries, garrigue, pepper, meat and charcuterie. Full-bodied, powerful, long and promising, it should drink well for 8-10 years.

The 2008 Zinfandel Rossi Ranch (100% Zinfandel aged in 25% new French oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered) possesses a dark ruby/purple color as well as copious aromas of wild berry fruit, pepper, earth, herbs, black cherries and raspberries. Soft, round and generous, it is ideal for drinking over the next 3-4 years. It is amazing to think that fifteen years ago no one had ever heard of Carlisle Winery and Vineyards or Mike Officer. Moreover, what Officer has done to preserve old vine Zinfandel vineyards in Sonoma is nothing short of astonishing. Add to that success story his sensational line-up of Syrahs, Petite Sirahs and Rhone Ranger blends and it is undeniable that this man and his winery are at the top of their game. These are artisanal, world-class reds that remain among California's most fairly priced high quality wines. Following is a look at the 2008s from bottle as well as a preview of the charming, seductive 2009s. Mike Officer says 2009 is a strong year for his wines, but since he has done nearly everything right, it is hard for me to say his 2009s are better than previous vintages. Certainly he will not have much production in 2010 given all the issues Zinfandel vineyards had in that year. Readers who love these wines are advised to stock up on what is left of the 2008s as well as the upcoming 2009s. Tel. (707) 566-7700; Fax (707) 566-7200