October 16, 2020 - While definitely past its prime, the fruit has faded, this wine still carried more than adequate weight and structure to pair with an Asian chili pasta dish. Tar, old tobacco, and dried plums (aren't those prunes? but not sweet). Relaxed after an hour or so to bring out cherries and chocolate.
February 26, 2016 - This zin is in a perfect place right now. The nose of dark berries, cocoa and a floral element I can't place is very pleasant, but the wine really sings on the palate -- the tannins have spun themselves into pure silk yet the wine retains a fine sense of balance. Sure, it's rich and palate-coating, but not at all spoofy or hot -- just a good ol' Dry Creek zin being true to its nature . Better on the first night than the sole remaining glass was on the second night; so I'd drink within the next couple of years, but this doesn't seem to be about to fall off a cliff.
July 21, 2015 - Classic Carlisle cocktail style zin. This 9 year old showed no sign at all of its age.
March 19, 2014 - Clear dark ruby. Loverly nose of dark fruit w/ some baking spice. An elegant Zin! Balanced and nice finish. Drinking beautifully now.
March 1, 2014 - Briary nose with a ripe and rich cherry finish.
October 14, 2012 - My last bottle. It only got about a half hour of air before drinking. Dark fruit and charcoal on the nose. Same dark fruit on the palate, with a little black pepper. Rich texture, and a fairly long finish, with some tartness at the very end.
September 18, 2012 - 15.9% -heavily extracted. Not enough complexity for my taste. Serve this one with food.
June 3, 2012 - Consistent with a bottle six months ago. A huge hit at a party and holding up just fine.
April 26, 2012 - Decanted 60 min. Big tannic, dark fruit. Tasted a bit corked, but could be heavy smoke, etc. others reported. As result, will not rate.
April 23, 2012 - 2003-2007 Carlisle Zinfandel Pairs (Rich & Peggy's House, Los Altos, CA): Darker red than the other zins in this line-up. Some funk on the nose. Hot. Soft palate. Not very complex.
Nose: B+ Palate: B My #2, Group's #3 (24 pts) Tasted blind