Two Carlisles and a Chenin

A friend's b-day is a perfect time to open a few beauties. The chenin was a stunner. The Carlisles...were everything one comes to expect from Mike Officer's wines - give them time and watch them blossom.

• 1993 Olga Raffault Chinon Le Champ-Chenin 93 Points

  France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Chinon

  starts of funky with wool and sweet hay. with time - more floral, white flowers, touch of honeyed pineapple. mid is light, with green and yellow apples, good spike of acidity, the finish has a touch of sweet baked apples and some pepper, finishes with a zesty touch. love it.. excellent "early maturity" chenin.

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• 2006 Carlisle Zinfandel Rossi Ranch 93 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley

  This is what mature Sonoma zin is supposed to be. lush, plush and oh so full of pleasure. Opens with sweet berries and violets, but there is a hint of smoked jerky there as well. Dark garnet color. mid is berries on a velvet-textured cream. raspberries and sweet spices. back has a good deal of acid to keep this big wine fresh (you cannot taste the 15.9%) finishes with a touch of brambles over the sweet fruit. Excellent.

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• 2006 Carlisle Petite Sirah Yorkville Highlands 94 Points

  USA, California, North Coast, Yorkville Highlands

  WOTN. Still young but showing well. cassis, rustic berry and herbs, blueberry notes on the nose as well as syrah-ish savory touch. young mid with a hint of rustic tannins. ripe black berries and fruit along with pepper and herbs. the finish is plush and long with structure to keep it balanced. just excellent and years to go.

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thanks again to Eric and Deb! :)