On a gentle glidepath into senescence ... on the nose a mix of red and black fruits; on the palate there is still enough acid and tannin to give it reasonable structure, but at this stage this is mostly about ripe but somewhat muted fruit. Good for easy sippin' and a simple roast chicken dinner. Drink up.
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Drinking much better than the last bottle a few years ago. The alcohol has burned off quite a bit. Deep cherries, spice and mixed fruit for a beautiful medium wine from Mike. This is drinking beautifully now. I wish I had another bottle.
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If you like Rhone blends from Linne Calodo or Herman Story, I think this style is for you and this example is probably more enjoyable than my score of 90 pts. This blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah is always one of my favourite Carlisle blends (although there are many). 2009 is still vigorous at 8 years and probably has another 2-5 left in it. Will the alcohol continue to blow off? Rasberry jam and cherry pie.
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Dark cherry and pepper laced alcohol on the nose. Palate is more interesting and the alcohol is more hidden - dark cherry, currant, spicy garrigue and licorice. There is some weight to this wine and just enough acidity to keep things fresh. Overall it lacks complexity and doesn't hide its alcohol well enough to score in the 90s.
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This Rhone blend is absolutely beautiful. The color is a crystal garnet, really unusually beautiful in the glass. On the nose olive, black cherry, graphite and spice. Beautiful balance with completely integrated tannin. On the palate dark fruits and spice. Yea Mike!! Sadly only one more of these. No rush to drink.
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Wonderfully balanced and elegant wine comprising red and black berries with no perceptible heat on the finish. Mike Officer hit a home run with this wine and it's drinking wonderfully now, but by no means on the downward slide. Better than two years ago.
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Nose of pepper, sweet red fruits, minerals and stone. On the palate comes tart fruit, espresso and bitter chocolate. Nice, round in the mouth with plenty of sharp tannin edges. Finishes bright. PJG: 90
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Aromas of red & black currant, red raspberry, red licorice, herbs & minerals. The palate matches with medium acidity, light tannins and a fairly short finish. Drink now or over the next several years.
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After a disappointing 2002 Three Birds last week, this one was great. Good depth and texture, darker fruits and a hint of licorice. My brother in law, who is not a big wine drinker but has tried a few rhone wines at our house before, said it had a little earthy funk to it similar to them.
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Dominated by lots of mocha notes and stayed pretty consistent over the coarse of 3 days. Not a lot of wines are able to hold up on day 2, let along be consistent for 3 days. A lot of times Carlisle wines are better on the second day I find.
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Gave this a short slow ox and then enjoyed over dinner, which was a margarita pizza with arugula and Italian sausage--a nice pairing. The wine showed a fair amount of acidity which lifted the fruit. The texture was moderately heavy with some red fruit. Overall, a good drink and while not all that complex or defined, I enjoyed it. I have one bottle left, will drink in the next year or so.
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Very enjoyable, full-bodied, mixed berry dark fruit with pencil lead and strawberry flavors, usual blend, not entirely integrated but terrific wine nonetheless, long finish, lacked elegance and depth
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Spouse pulled this one out with a friend and saved a glass for me. No idea how long it was opened. Dark color, dark fruit, good bit of forest floor with a little funk thrown in for good measure.
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I was initially a bit disappointed as this has been one of my favorite Carlisle wines, but on opening it seemed oddly oak/vanilla-dominant (it's raised in neutral oak). However, with a little bit of time, this became more red fruit-driven and balanced in the Carlisle fashion. Medium-body. Loved the classic Grenache character, to me clearly identifiable as the dominant variety. A California Rhone-blend for those who find other versions too over the top.
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Dark fruit, forest floor, and spicy. A little funky, but in an interesting way. A wine that's more fun and enjoyable, especially considering the price.
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Young. A bit overly "earthy" and "woodsy". Opened up nicely over about 1.5 hours. Definitely not jammy. Washed clean over the mid and back palate, but finished with that woodsy note.
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Too young but still very nice wine. Very big and fruity wine that has yet to develop much complexity. I would say from memory that it was not jammy at all, just big and seemed to have brighter blue fruits.
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Savory, deep, balanced and rich. Great concentration. I have no idea where Mike O sourced these grapes, but this is a most worthy Carlisle "Three Bird."
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Decanted about 3 hours. Pepper and dirt on the nose, with hints of twig and black fruit. There's some floral notes at the end, plus just the tiniest bit of smoke. Lots of pepper and sweet black fruit on the palate, with earth and smoke in the middle. It finishes with some floral notes.
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Nice QPR drinker. If I had another, I would wait a year. very baby-Chateau Neuf... all there just a bit less funky herbyness. Great fruit, California heat
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Good wine on its own, fantasctic value at $20. My first Carlisle, and it won't be my last. The Grenache wasn't as funky at its European counterparts, but blended seamlessly with the Mourvedre and Syrah.
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What a wine, what a value! Very classic Rhone blend - which would easily pass for top notch CdP, if it weren't for the California heat - with notes of kirsch and licorice, complex, leathery.... very smooth, somewhat strong. Going close to the top of my list for Rhone Rangers. Would rate even higher if the heat were tamed a little. Good stuff!
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11/6/2023 - ParisWino Likes this wine: 90 Points
On a gentle glidepath into senescence ... on the nose a mix of red and black fruits; on the palate there is still enough acid and tannin to give it reasonable structure, but at this stage this is mostly about ripe but somewhat muted fruit. Good for easy sippin' and a simple roast chicken dinner. Drink up.
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8/14/2020 - Ed B Likes this wine: 92 Points
PnP at the end of socially distanced cocktail party. Got rave reviews
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7/31/2020 - jfkwines wrote: 91 Points
Slow ox for three hours. Killed, total integrated, great mouth of berries and plum. No tannins in the after taste. great with Ribeye
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6/17/2020 - Ed B Likes this wine: 91 Points
PnP. Drank over next 90 minutes. No detailed notes. Great flavor. Medium body. Nice spice. Long finish. In a good place now.
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2/27/2019 - Zvillan Likes this wine: 91 Points
Drinking much better than the last bottle a few years ago. The alcohol has burned off quite a bit. Deep cherries, spice and mixed fruit for a beautiful medium wine from Mike. This is drinking beautifully now. I wish I had another bottle.
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3/26/2017 - Gunksfan Likes this wine: 90 Points
If you like Rhone blends from Linne Calodo or Herman Story, I think this style is for you and this example is probably more enjoyable than my score of 90 pts. This blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah is always one of my favourite Carlisle blends (although there are many). 2009 is still vigorous at 8 years and probably has another 2-5 left in it. Will the alcohol continue to blow off? Rasberry jam and cherry pie.
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11/19/2016 - bound4er wrote: 89 Points
Dark cherry and pepper laced alcohol on the nose. Palate is more interesting and the alcohol is more hidden - dark cherry, currant, spicy garrigue and licorice. There is some weight to this wine and just enough acidity to keep things fresh. Overall it lacks complexity and doesn't hide its alcohol well enough to score in the 90s.
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8/23/2016 - David_T wrote: 89 Points
Drinking well now; red/black fruits & licorice along with some herbs. Integrated medium acid/tannins. Should last through its 10th birthday.
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5/28/2016 - rwerner Likes this wine: 92 Points
Perfect time to consume. Wonderful rich mouth with a perfect long finish. Might be my favorite Three Birds I have tasted to date.
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5/22/2016 - dsimmons Likes this wine: 95 Points
This Rhone blend is absolutely beautiful. The color is a crystal garnet, really unusually beautiful in the glass. On the nose olive, black cherry, graphite and spice. Beautiful balance with completely integrated tannin. On the palate dark fruits and spice. Yea Mike!! Sadly only one more of these. No rush to drink.
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4/11/2016 - snarfglk wrote: 89 Points
A bit better than previous bottle but not by far. More fruit but a shade shy of 90 points.
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3/17/2016 - mdaniel wrote: 92 Points
Wonderfully balanced and elegant wine comprising red and black berries with no perceptible heat on the finish. Mike Officer hit a home run with this wine and it's drinking wonderfully now, but by no means on the downward slide. Better than two years ago.
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2/3/2016 - snarfglk wrote: 89 Points
Good wine but it just seemed flatish.
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12/12/2015 - VinoDiver Likes this wine: 90 Points
Nice wine with good fruit. This is drinking well and seems like it should continue to hold further.
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12/7/2015 - dhammer53 wrote: 91 Points
No notes, but I was in love!
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7/24/2014 - ravbik wrote: 91 Points
Nice well balanced . Even better on day 2 medium body gsm
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5/14/2014 - noahbw Likes this wine: 90 Points
Nose of pepper, sweet red fruits, minerals and stone. On the palate comes tart fruit, espresso and bitter chocolate. Nice, round in the mouth with plenty of sharp tannin edges. Finishes bright. PJG: 90
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4/4/2014 - Bellissimo wrote:
Glass from the second night of being opened. Dark red fruits, nicely balanced. Held up very nicely.
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3/23/2014 - winestem wrote: 89 Points
Nice medium bodied, garnet hued wine. A little spice and licorice. Very pleasant.
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1/1/2014 - mdaniel wrote: 91 Points
Ng
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12/23/2013 - David_T wrote: 89 Points
Aromas of red & black currant, red raspberry, red licorice, herbs & minerals. The palate matches with medium acidity, light tannins and a fairly short finish. Drink now or over the next several years.
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10/26/2013 - DavidDay Likes this wine: 93 Points
Red and black currants, with red raspberries, eloquent more than powerful, but still a great drink with cheese and smoked fish
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10/26/2013 - Outplaying wrote:
After a disappointing 2002 Three Birds last week, this one was great. Good depth and texture, darker fruits and a hint of licorice. My brother in law, who is not a big wine drinker but has tried a few rhone wines at our house before, said it had a little earthy funk to it similar to them.
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8/31/2013 - Oakjeff wrote: 91 Points
Delicious. Well integrated and harmonious at this point.
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6/28/2013 - slywka7 wrote: 90 Points
Dominated by lots of mocha notes and stayed pretty consistent over the coarse of 3 days. Not a lot of wines are able to hold up on day 2, let along be consistent for 3 days. A lot of times Carlisle wines are better on the second day I find.
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6/24/2013 - Frank Murray III wrote:
Gave this a short slow ox and then enjoyed over dinner, which was a margarita pizza with arugula and Italian sausage--a nice pairing. The wine showed a fair amount of acidity which lifted the fruit. The texture was moderately heavy with some red fruit. Overall, a good drink and while not all that complex or defined, I enjoyed it. I have one bottle left, will drink in the next year or so.
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5/8/2013 - daniel.jay wrote: 87 Points
Vinturi and decant. Found this to be thin and harsh. With air it mellowed some but lacked richness.
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3/12/2013 - Screameagle Likes this wine: 90 Points
I haven't been a big fan of the Carlisle three birds over the years but this one was quite nice even out of a water tumbler
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3/6/2013 - rdf58 wrote: 90 Points
Strawberry and mineral aromas. Red berry fruit and some grenache earthiness. Southern Rhone-like weight and texture.
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10/6/2012 - Brsed wrote: 92 Points
A little young but very enjoyable. Layers of black fruit with strong tannins and good acidity and structure.
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10/3/2012 - Amerique wrote: 92 Points
This wine is a bit of a fruit bomb. Very alive and expansive but not overly extracted. Great QPR.
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8/26/2012 - Mike Dildine wrote: 91 Points
Always a favorite of mine.
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8/12/2012 - Oakjeff wrote: 88 Points
I think this may still be too young.
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5/24/2012 - Amerique wrote: 91 Points
Very enjoyable, full-bodied, mixed berry dark fruit with pencil lead and strawberry flavors, usual blend, not entirely integrated but terrific wine nonetheless, long finish, lacked elegance and depth
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2/1/2012 - Bellissimo wrote:
Spouse pulled this one out with a friend and saved a glass for me. No idea how long it was opened. Dark color, dark fruit, good bit of forest floor with a little funk thrown in for good measure.
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1/22/2012 - MJHDC wrote:
I was initially a bit disappointed as this has been one of my favorite Carlisle wines, but on opening it seemed oddly oak/vanilla-dominant (it's raised in neutral oak). However, with a little bit of time, this became more red fruit-driven and balanced in the Carlisle fashion. Medium-body. Loved the classic Grenache character, to me clearly identifiable as the dominant variety. A California Rhone-blend for those who find other versions too over the top.
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1/21/2012 - haldolugr wrote: 88 Points
Very earthy, driven by the Grenache, the mourvedre and syrah don't really come through as much as I would like, but still a very good wine.
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1/14/2012 - H.W. Crabb wrote: 90 Points
Dark fruit, forest floor, and spicy. A little funky, but in an interesting way. A wine that's more fun and enjoyable, especially considering the price.
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12/26/2011 - Stumpy wrote: 88 Points
Maybe drank way too young but to me it was all big juicy fruit and that was pretty much it.
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11/28/2011 - dturnercis wrote: 89 Points
Young. A bit overly "earthy" and "woodsy". Opened up nicely over about 1.5 hours. Definitely not jammy. Washed clean over the mid and back palate, but finished with that woodsy note.
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11/11/2011 - Stumpy Likes this wine: 90 Points
Too young but still very nice wine. Very big and fruity wine that has yet to develop much complexity. I would say from memory that it was not jammy at all, just big and seemed to have brighter blue fruits.
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11/2/2011 - cubswinws wrote: 90 Points
Very nice. Nice spice and touch of herb,earth.
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10/2/2011 - Mike Dildine wrote: 92 Points
Savory, deep, balanced and rich. Great concentration. I have no idea where Mike O sourced these grapes, but this is a most worthy Carlisle "Three Bird."
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9/15/2011 - mmurry Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted about 3 hours. Pepper and dirt on the nose, with hints of twig and black fruit. There's some floral notes at the end, plus just the tiniest bit of smoke. Lots of pepper and sweet black fruit on the palate, with earth and smoke in the middle. It finishes with some floral notes.
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9/5/2011 - gzim wrote: 90 Points
Nice QPR drinker. If I had another, I would wait a year. very baby-Chateau Neuf... all there just a bit less funky herbyness. Great fruit, California heat
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8/26/2011 - Cow Town wrote: 90 Points
Good wine on its own, fantasctic value at $20. My first Carlisle, and it won't be my last. The Grenache wasn't as funky at its European counterparts, but blended seamlessly with the Mourvedre and Syrah.
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3/18/2011 - kidsmurf2000 wrote: 94 Points
What a wine, what a value! Very classic Rhone blend - which would easily pass for top notch CdP, if it weren't for the California heat - with notes of kirsch and licorice, complex, leathery.... very smooth, somewhat strong. Going close to the top of my list for Rhone Rangers. Would rate even higher if the heat were tamed a little. Good stuff!
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