I fear this might be past it, but have two more and am hopeful this was an odd bottle. Very fruity but flat about an hour after opening, through the evening and the next evening.
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PnP and drank over 3 hours. Nearly opaque ruby/black. Huge nose that lingered throughout. Opened with earth and tangy, featuring big cherry with hints of raspberries. Good spice. Long, complex finish. Mellowed over several iterations, but spice and long finish remained.
3 hours later, nose and color the same. Earthy raspberry with tart (but big) cheery hints, and huge spice.
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Beautiful wine and I would say at its peak. Impeccable balance between the fruit and earth tones. Great structure and so enjoyable that it was tough not to gulp down!
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Wow what a couple of years makes cellaring this wine. Very integrated with bright fruit and plums. Really liked this with home made pepperoni pizza babysitting the grandchildren.
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Really nice and enjoyable with grilled ribeyes. So much sweet dark fruits at the end, though, makes me wish for a bit more secondary flavors. Do get a bit of pepper in there. Very big wine still at this stage of its life.
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Drank alongside 09 Carlisle Monte Rosso, great illustration of difference natural fermentation versus added yeasts. Both are fantastic wines, the Monte Rosso is still drinking beautifully. Both opened about four hours before pouring, the Monto Rosso was preferred but Carlisle paired better with grilled pork tenderloin. Both had some pepper, Monte Rosso more small fruit compared to the Carlisle where some sweet red fruit was present but strong spices of unknown origin but very pleasant.
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5 years since the previous bottle and it started out in a lovely place offering a full spectrum of black and berry fruit with less overt sweetness and almost as much power as its younger self. It got somewhat disjointed after a while, with acids on top of the fruit making the whole package shrill, but that resolved itself by the end of the night. Another great bottle of Carlisle Zin, but for my tastes there isn't a whole lot of marginal utility to bottle aging past the first 2-4 years.
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Identical note to a year and a half ago. Still the best zin I've had. At 15.2%, no discernible heat. But still very lively. BlackBerry and plum, some earth and dirt. But mostly just damn smooth.
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Nose of black cherry, red cherry, plum, white pepper, and a touch of earth, same on the palate, big body, very tasty, at its peak, mouth filling fruit, rich fruit, almost elegant, paired with baked French brie on a freshly baked French baguette-terrific combo! lovely wine enjoyed over two evenings, and a long flavorful finish and aftertaste. BTW-Happy 4th of July to everyone!!!!
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Still a dark ruby color with the slightest fading at the edges. Brilliant raspberry notes on the nose. Bright raspberry and blackberry fruit on the palate with a hint of warm spice and cracked black pepper. Great acidity, firm tannins and wonderful balance. Finishes long and spicy. What a zinfandel should be. Lovely stuff. I would think it would hold for a few years more.
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Popped open and realized it wouldn't have been drank, so recorked and opened 24 hours later. Absolutely terrific. Wonderful Zin mouth, brambly fruit. Highly recommend
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My next to last bottle of this beautiful zin. Pop and pour. Elegant fruit, spice and secondary flavors. Just delicious. Will try to save my last bottle for at least three years to see how it develops.
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Very nice - may improve a bit with some additional cellar time but not worth the wait. I suggest drinking this Zinfandel over the next couple of years. Still plenty of fruit and lingering finish. This is what Carlisle Zins are all about.
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Crimson in color. 15.2% ABV. Sublime nose of red and blue fruits, pepper and a hint of peach. Full bodied and bursting with acidity. Plush, opulent and so very smooth on the palate. Exceptional balance. Raspberries, boysenberries and Asian spices on the palate. The wine finishes strong. Glorious Zinfandel from one of the top old vine vineyards in the Russian River Valley. Drink over the next 2-3 years.
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Drinking at peak. This was much rounder than I recall. Purple fruit still the lead, but the overall profile has softened. Was happy to catch it now that any further along the aging curve.
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Smooth and velvety. Some fruit. Tasty. A hint of tannins would suggest there's still life here. On Day 2, the acid upset my stomach. Drank this with Jane and Mitch at Stella's on L.I.
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Probably the best zin I've ever had. This does everything right. Not some jammy thick alcoholic sludge, but a smooth lively multi noted drink. Still maintaining blackberry and plum fruit but starting to show some earth and dirt. You can't sense any heat here. Drinking so well right now but doesn't look like it's falling apart by any means.
Amen, btock. Not sure I'd know acacia or sumac if it landed in my breakfast cereal, but there's a lot going on here for sure. Agree that the Carlisles that show young structure can take 3-5 years to enter a sweet spot, but have also noticed them hanging on just fine in the 5-10 year range lately. This one should be no different.
Blackberry, raspberry, plum, graphite, purple flowers, anise, dirt. Finish is long, juicy, and brambly. Savory licorice and cigar at the tail end. Not shrill, not flabby, just right. Meant to save this for a side-by-side with the '09 Papera, but impulse got to it first, and there aren't enough livers in the house tonight to process both bottles. Would replace in a heartbeat and be comfortable storing for another three years at least.
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A pleasure. Very much alive, pungent purple fruit. Bit of acacia, sappy boisenberry and sumac. Purple fruit impression with a bit of magenta coloring. Fresher than I expected. Had the '09 Papera a couple weeks back (which was delicious) and this Carlisle Vineyard bottle was brighter and more youthful. Great from first glass to last drop, a really well made wine in good spot. I like my Carlisle zins with 3-5 years on them generally. Let some '09s go a bit longer given the structure they had young and that has been rewarded. Yum!
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Dark berry nose; fruity. Drank when bottle was too cold-- didn't particularly have much going on. As the wined warmed, complex, deep, berry nose, spicy, smooth, velvet, easy drinking. Perhaps a little peaked.
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A lot brighter and livelier than a Zin this old should be. Berries, spices, and a little citrus (?) on both the nose and on the palate. Surprisingly viscous but still only medium-bodied. Good (not great) finish. A few months ago, I thought it was a little too sweet, but it was terrific this time when paired with BBQ.
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Bottle #4 of 6. Enjoyed over two nights. This wine's hallmark is its balance - fantastic fruit still, beautiful acidity and enough structure to hold it all together and provide superb detail, just enough bottle age to show plenty of complexity, and not too much oak - just enough to keep it full and rich and provide mouth feel and texture. Still huge, chiseled red black and purple fruit, with a wonderful crisp green note, almost like stem inclusion, that I associate with this vineyard. Good for another 2-4 years, but it's stupendous now.
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Finished it tonight 2 nights after opening and it was as good or better...probably has a good future at least a few years. Beautiful classic Zinfandel open knot nose of spicy berry and pepper and cedar and on the palate same dark berry, cherry, leather, cigar box and spices with medium weight and solid finish. This is in a great place right now. Another great wine and value from Mike Ofiicer.
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Almost two years ago, I thought this wine might be fading. If anything, it seems more vibrant and less muted now than it did back in mid-2014. Unfortunately, it struck me as a little too sweet, a condition that might be corrected by an appropriate food pairing (BBQ), more bottle age, and/or longer and better aeration. Aside from the sweetness, it was well balanced, without noticeable heat.
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Consistently a top wine from what turned out to be a terrific vintage for Carlisle. Great aromas of dark fruit. Cherry-blackberry fruit without being jammy and well integrated tannins. Just right acidity. Still young enough to last a few more years.
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Decanted 3 hrs. The 09 Carlisle Vineyard is in the zone and a terrify showing last night. Perfectly balanced between youthful, rich plum and other exotic Zin-esque goodies with layering and complexity. My last bottle, and a top ten Carlisle Zin for my palate.
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Great wine. Classically Carlisle -- big and very berry. Not overly spicy; light jam/fruit forward. Pretty consistent from nose to finish with a medium to long finish. Made my evening... just a beautiful wine at this time.
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A nose of dark fruit and some spice, dark garnet in color. A medium to full bodied Zin blend with plum, raspberry, some licorice and spice on finish. Still young, decant. www.winelx.com
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Poured off a glass and let open for an hour. A bit disjointed and jammy at first. Secondary flavors started coming forward after another hour. Great berry and spice. Wait two years for next one of two.
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Largely consistent with previous notes. Tasted over the course of a week from Enomatic. On a couple of occasions, I felt a bit of heat and this was just a touch boozy. But otherwise typical Carlisle goodness. I prefer the Papera Ranch over this vineyard, at least in the vintages I have tried so far.
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In a quick whim, I pulled this and the 08 to take a brunch. Side by side, they are indeed different. The 2008 is more red fruited while the 2009 is darker. Both had acidity and the alcs were well managed with the 2008 seeming like it might age better, given the other notes like loam and some structure. The 2009 was more opulent and riper toned than the 2008, too. I supposed it depends on what you want in your Zin both but drank very well.
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First of two bottles. Will enter more formal note with the next. This is a true beauty of a zin. Ready to drink. Paired perfectly with barbecue ribs and smoked sausage.
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With ribs and brats -- this was just an exceptional pairing and enjoyable drink. Bold nose of blackberry, spice, herbs and smoke. Fresh and juicy. Medium weight and precisely chiseled. Worked well with the smoked baby backs and beer brats and peppers. Plenty of life ahead, but I'm glad to have consumed my third and final bottle at a peak drinking window.
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I fine the Carlisle Vineyard to consistently be the most elegant of Mike's wines. I think this is because of the restraint and balance, without sacrificing flavor. This was true with this bottle, the first of the '09 version that I've opened. Actually drank better the second day as the wine unfolded a bit. Core blue/black fruit, silky tannins. minerality in the backdrop. A non-wine drinker in the group commented "this is awesome". I think with 1-2 more years this will go somewhere special.
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Full rich concentrated nose of blackberry fruit, dark chocolate and spice. Rich luscious fruit with bright juicy acidity. Plenty of youthful energy and structure. Long bright fruit and spice filled finish.
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No formal notes. This was singing. Right in its pocket and with glorious exuberance, but also details - a wonderful combination. Consistent with previous notes.
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A wonderful zin that is drinking in it's prime. I decanted it only for a short period of time which I thought was just about right. The Carlisle Carlisle zin is always one of my favorites and this bottle is no exception.
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15.2% ABV. Translucent dark garnet in the glass. Black fruit on the nose with a touch of chalky soil and baking spices. Ripe, sweet black fruit on the palate. Like the '09 Montafi tasted alongside this is fully mature and slightly short on acidity, but very tasty.
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Fully mature RRV Zin. Drinking beautifully at this point. Great balance of fruit, earthiness, acidity (low) and structure. Soft tannins. Definite hint of baking/Asian spices noted by others with some ripe plum notes coming through on the finish.
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Full nose of ripe red and blue fruit, herbs and Christmas spices. Palate is rich but full of juicy acidity that provides balance, energy and length. So much flavor intensity packed on the palate - some dark chocolate notes add layers and depth. Long juicy, flavorful finish.
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Last two bottles. On the nose earthy raspberry and a little smoke. The big surprise is the smooth slightly viscous mouthfeel which allows the soft round berry flavors to gradually build and evolve, with a definite Asian spice accent. Long finish. I decanted, which softened the initial impression but did not seem to impact flavor profile much.
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I know this is a very high score for a zinfandel field blend, but it deserves it. Not overripe or over extracted just a wonderful balance. My 95 is as compared to other zins, but very, very few reach this level. Wonderful with Thanksgiving leftovers.
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Definitely worked great with Thanksgiving meal. Great spice to the nose, dark fruits in the body, had enough acid to stand up to everything except the cranberries. Tannins were firm but not dry. Not too hot which speaks to the balance given the alcohol level is 15.2 %. wine is definitely coming into its own and would drink over the next three years.
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Blind tasted. Nose shows dark plum, blackberry, raspberry jam, baking spice. Moderate plus alcohol (actually high) and finish. Moderate tannins and acidity. The black fruit layers led me to CA Syrah instead of Zin.
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Amazing wine with the old style Zinfandel spice I remember from my first experience with the varietal in 1973 plus the rich elegance of modern wine making. Deep purple in color with a nice sweet nose. Fruits remind me of plums and black raspberries.
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Extremely rich with pronounced notes of blackberry and chocolate. This is relatively low in acid, but has smooth tannins and nice secondary notes. At peak now.
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The nose on this is big and pleasant woth beef, rhubarb and raspberries. The palate is medium with ripe berries and a hint of beef. Long and delicious.
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There is a uniqueness to this wine that transcends description - even in this ad nausem forum. It's a faint, ah, coffee/chocolate/toast -- of course, those are descriptives. Together with a very balanced, rich profile, especially for a Zin, this would be a major crowd pleaser. (Too bad I don't want to share this one with a crowd.)
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Deep, dark and almost inky garnet color; seemed opaque in the kitchen light. Aromas of blackberry, raspberry, blueberry, dusty, brambly, cinnamon, spice and oak. The blueberry was not quite as obvious as last time. Big, rich and full bodied, with the addition of some chocolate flavor in the mouth; layers of intense fruit. Great structure. Fairly well balanced; the tannin is dwarfed by the fruit intensity. Highly enjoyable now. Still, this seems to to be a longer than normal lived Zinfandel. Too bad it's my last bottle of the vintage.
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This was so nice. Red fruit, subtle pepper, nice feel in the mouth. Had with grilled chuck roast one night and burgers another night. Nice balance. Two left...leave next one for 2016.
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Coravin'd some at Lake Placid for the 4th, then opened the rest of the bottle tonight. Stayed in perfect shape over the 3+ weeks. Consistent with previous notes. The concentration of the fruit and its vibrancy are the things that really impress about this wine. There are some subtle hints of spice that add a bit of intrigue, but this is mostly fruit forward and powerful. This Carlisle Vineyard does have pretty good acidity which is critical to keep the wine feeling fresh and not ponderous. But the acidity is not as impressive as with the Papera. Served at 57 deg, the alcohol is not at all a problem, but just a hint of heat began to come into play as the wine warmed toward room temp, so I would drink this below 65 deg if you are sensitive to heat like I am. Paired decently with homemade Pesto on pasta along with chicken. Overall, among these 2009's, I slightly prefer the Monte Rosso and the Papera to the Carlisle Vineyard, but all are very good wines.
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Opened about 2 to 2 1/2 hours before tasting. Although several recent tasting notes say "drink now", I'm not so sure. The fruit is a little muted (faded?), but the impressive structure suggests it may actually improve a little as the tannins soften. Restrained and elegant for a Zinfandel.
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This is without a doubt the best of Mike's vineyards, for my palate. It consistently has a structure and definition, perfectly complimenting the bodacious fruit, that sets it apart. This bottle shows that 'exquisite huge black fruit perfectly balanced with vanillin oak' thing Mike does so well - grapesickle to the max. I found a palate note that shows as dill or green pepper, and it actually works brilliantly to add complexity to the big blackberry compote hedonism. Brilliant, as usual.
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This was a bit hot upon opening. Got some aromas of raspberry, blueberry, pepper and currant. The wine is a tad hot on the attack but settles down with flavors of raspberry, dried blueberry, boysenberry and a hint of earth. Finishes nicely that lasts 25 seconds. Heat is a little unusual but still very nice.
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This wine was excellent, especially after being opened for about an hour. I will give my bottles a little more cellar time or an hour decant. Loads of fruit and spice.
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The wine today is quite similar to my descriptive of 9/1/2013: "a dark garnet color; still purple on the rim. The brambly aromas of blackberry and raspberry are supplemented with lots of blueberry, along with cinnamon, exotic spices and vanillan oak. This time the blueberry was more obvious on the nose. The flavors are much the same, along with some dark chocolate. Creamy and viscous in the mouth. Big, rich and full bodied. Nice structure and balance. It still has an extended cinnamon-like finish that is fairly soft." Paired again with B.Q. pork ribs - nice combo.
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Drinking very nicely. Classically Carlisle -- big and very berry. Not spicy; light jam/fruit forward. Pretty consistent from nose to finish with a medium to long finish.
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Josh Raynolds was sure right on this one. Smoother than most Carlisles only 3 years out. The usual fragrance, quite forceful, makes you pay attention. Has the noted red-note profile on the palate as well as a long finish. An hour or two later it's even better, so a short decant would help.
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Drank with cheese and italian meats prior to Xmas eve dinner. Popped and ran through vinturi. Everyone really liked this. Vibrant red fruits, cinnamon and some other baking spices add a touch of complexity. Nice weight and concentration, but not gloppy. I started to get just a bit of heat as this warmed to room temp, so I recommend drinking it around 60 deg. The acidity here was decent and kept this from feeling gloppy, but it did not have the ripping acidity that I loved so much in the '09 Carlisle Papera. Overall (based on memory), I preferred the Papera to this one. But both are excellent wines. Drinking well now with a bit of air but no hurry. I think the CT window is about right.
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Nearly 2 years in between bottles. Figured I would provide an opening note with about 45 mins or air, then close later with a few more comments as this bottle is surely to be finished tonight. No heat here, which is consistent with my last note. And, the same cinnamon stick comment holds true, as well. In fact, and take this in a positive frame as this is the way I intend it, the wine has a 'red hots' candy profile, in that the fruit is red based, charged up with nice acidity and spice, the texture glossy. The wine finishes with a loamy/soil note, which I have found in past vintages, too, the length of finish is fantastic. Wow.
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Big Reds on a Sub-Zero Afternoon (Rocknroller's (Kevin's)): Very dark purple-red color. PNP, drank 2 glasses over 2 hours. Nose is fresh with black raspberry, blueberry, plum, dried earth, briary, black licorice. The palate is medium full bodied with brambly fruits, blackberry, black raspberry, black licorice, briar, spice, pepper and some mild oak. This was well balanced with round plush tannins and a medium plus finish. No decant needed. Impressive.
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Ann opened this yesterday, had a glass or two and left the remainder on the counter under cork. Today this shows a mix of both red and black fruits. The red comes across as ripe but tart raspberries and a little cranberry. There is also a little black cherry and what comes across as sweet-tart candy, and almost cola like. I dont mean that in a bad way though. The wine is ripe and despite those desciptors shows more crunchy than candied. Good acidity in this, too. Ann says she liked this better yesterday when it was plusher, softer and fruitier. All of those things would be a bad thing in my mind. I don't drink much zin anymore but I enjoyed this today in front of the fireplace, watching football and the snow come down outside.
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14 months since first tasted. The additional bottle age is doing this wine very well, and may be even better over the next few years. Gorgeous blackberry and violet nose. The palate shows good freshness and concentrated, dark fruit flavors jump out on the mid palate along with some spice. The oak is better integrated than a year ago, but still dominant on the finish, which shows good persistence. This will continue to benefit with additional bottle age. 92+
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Bright, full-bodied, raspberry-fruited deliciousness. Earth, anise, a dollop of stylish but not insignificant oak, and the cooler terroir of the Carlisle vineyard's structural acidity, and even some buried tannins, round out this offering. Some heat on the finish, this will be significantly better in a year, and maintain its peak for another five after that. I'm more and more clear that this vineyard is my fave of Mike's gems, and while I prefer the 08 and am hesitant of this vintage's big fruit orientation, I'm looking forward to this wine's run over the next few years. Thank you Mike! 92+pts pure quality, 94pts personal preference.
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A dark garnet color; still purple on the rim. The brambly aromas of blackberry and raspberry are supplemented with lots of blueberry, along with cinnamon, exotic spices and vanillan oak. This time the blueberry was more obvious on the nose. The flavors are much the same, along with some dark chocolate. Creamy and viscous in the mouth. Big, rich and full bodied. Nice structure and balance. It still has an extended cinnamon-like finish that is fairly soft. A good pairing with BQ pork ribs, as long as the BQ sauce on the ribs is not over done. I liked the wine more by itself though. The fourth time I've had this wine. Score 93-94.
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Wonderful! Really coming into it's own! Similar to prior tasting notes. Lots of depth and power, but it's the secondary flavors, baking spice and carmel with the jammy berries that I enjoy most. Wicked good!
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Very consistent bottles, previous notes apply. Opaque red-purple color. Opens with a terrific aromatic burst of dark fruit. Rich texture but impeccably balanced. Tempting to drink up rather than hold.
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Friends and I had this with grilled burgers on 8/22/13. It had an elegant, expressive and beguiling bouquet of floral, black cherry, raspberry, blackberry, leather and spice aromas. The palate was rich, ripe, velvety smooth and dry with flavors that followed the nose. This is one of my all-time favorite Zins. 93+
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No formal notes, as this was drank casually with my wife. However, the impression was of a very enjoyable bottle. Very rich with big sweet red fruits with some zin spiciness and some vanillin in the background. Extremely smooth on the palate and went down way to easily. I have one more and will wait a couple years to try again.
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Decanted 1 hr. Even by the lofty Carlisle standards, this is really a top shelf, superb example of old vine Zin. While low in acidity (or perceived anyway), the delivery of loamy rose petal, licorice, and black raspberry is utterly seamless and without an edge to be seen anywhere. I’m a sucker for wines that can pull off the low acid / gorgeous structure trick, and especially without coming across as a fruit heavy wine. Paired with homemade chicken in saffron cream (I love Indian food with Zin), and I must say, it was a perfect match. Top 5 all-time Carlisle Zin for me, though the 07 Montafi still keeps its place on the top of Mt Olympus.
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This had the classic fruit and spice of a good Zin but added an earthy almost loamy quality that increased its complexity and pleasure. Really enjoyable.
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What a great zin that is drinking great and appears to be just entering it's prime and could even get better in a year or two. I have always loved what Mike does with fruit from the original Peleti vineyard and this bottle is no exception.
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I really like this wine. It has brambly aromas and flavors of blackberry and raspberry, as well as pepper, some blueberry, exotic spices, cinnamon and vanillin oak. A big, rich and full bodied wine. Succulent and viscous in the mouth. Very good structure and balance. A long, extended and cinnamon-like finish. Pretty good food wine too; paired to roasted ribbed-pork with a mild Cajun sauce.
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Fantastic! This is to Zinfandel what Schrader or Bond is to Cabernet. Mike Officer is a sculptor, who knows how to find great fruit, and not mess with it. After the initial Oak blew off in 30 minutes, this just continued to open and offer so many level of black and red berry fruit and secondary flavors. This is a dynamic Zin, and well beyond a fluffy Jammy description. This is America's Varietal, with distinction and awareness of where it's from! If you have access to this stuff, then you must give it a try. Really well integrated at this point, and I think another 2-3 yrs of life in this bottle at full power.
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Explosive aromatics that don't quit along with bright red and black fruit flavors. Nice undertone of zin spice and unobtrusive oak. Richness and fruit that are balanced by acidity and smooth tannins. Really a complete, balanced zin.
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Oily nose with raspberries, oak, and black pepper. The palate is bright and inviting with nice fruits and powerful acidity. Great finish with hints of wild berries that sticks Around for a long time. Delicious.
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Crisp, brambly, raspberry, plum, slight cherry, mild tannins. Initially light to medium body and then concentrates after one hour and becomes more richer. Sweeter tones later on.
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Always a fan of Carlisle wines, but this one was particularly great. Full and very fruity, but without being jammy or overpowering. Long finish, hint of vanilla. Awesome.
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One of the best Zinfandels I have ever had. Rich and pure without being overpowering. Needs at least an hour decant. Reflective of the Russian River Valley terroir.
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Decanted for an hour. Beautiful and a bit fruit forward at the beginning. Then it became much more complex. Needed to try a Carlisle after delivery and this made me very happy. Wait at least a year for the next one.
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Sure its kinda sweet, and it possesses a lot of dark cherry fruit, but it manages too keep itself on just the right side of overripeness. Actually its a great example of cali zin. Fresh as it is, it still goes best with cheeses...
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Still very young. Still has very high acidity and a taught palate. Nice berries and cassis flavors. Touch of vanilla. Nice but super young. Acidity keeps it fresh. More closed than prior bottles.
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Fragrant and lush right out of the bottle. Palate shows a red, blue, and black fruit medley with (barely) civilized tannins and solid acidic support. Some new oak and menthol freshness appear on a nice medium-full finish. Like most wines above 15% in ABV, this really shines with a cooler serving temperature and due to the moderate amount of acidity, paired well with medium cheddar and other soft cheeses. Approachable now, this should show slightly better with another 1-2 years of bottle age. 93% Zinfandel, 7% (Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Petite Sirah, Peloursin, Tempranillo, and others). Nice wine, but IWC a little more exuberant than usual. 91+ points.
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Needs time. Still tight and unexpressive, but ripe cherry comes through with a backbone of darker flavors. Good finish. Improved with food (hamburgers on grill and baked beans, etc..). Tannic structure tells me I am tasting the blending grapes more than expected in the blend. And the blueberry PS flavor shows as well, which should allow this wine to age well. I'd try another (if I had one) in a year or two but not sooner. J2X.
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Fire pit Friday (Our house, Kennett square, PA): Considering where my palet is moving and after following an old Pinot, the Coudoulet de Beaucastel and the Validicava brunello, this didn't show well for me. Just too much fruit and alcohol. It wasn't really a fair setting to be honest. For me the Carlisle zins need to be enjoyed on their own or with similar styled wined. Ann and Karen loved it however.
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I took this to a Zinfandel tasting on 8/19/12. It had a fragrant and elegant bouquet of blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, Asian spice and mocha aromas. The palate was rich, dense and dry with flavors that followed the nose. It was the groups WOTN. 92+
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Wow! Very intense fruit and aromas. Still very fresh, young and primary, even on day 2. Well balanced acidity, but very rich. Really stands out even among the other 2009 Carlisle Zins. Should be interesting to follow for several years.
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Similar to my tasting 5 months ago. A dark ruby color. Brambly aromas (blackberry and raspberry), lots of exotic spice, cinnamon, some vanillin. I did not get any chocolate this time. Similar flavors, along with pepper and a touch of blueberry. Tannins seem subdued and well integrated into the wine. Big, rich and succulent in the mouth; velvety, creamy and somewhat viscous. Nice structure and balance. A long brambly finish. Pairs well tonight with grilled Cajun spiced pork chops. Très bon zinfandel. Score 93-94.
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15.2% alcohol. Just a smoking bottle of wine. Rich, jammy, and totally in balance. Delightful, soaring nose. Terrific palate presence. Just a lot of fun to drink. A-/A
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Dark, chewy, and spicy. A great wine but we had to pop and pour before the radiohead show started so no decant and the tannins were a little strong on the finish. But with time to open it would score higher.
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Decanted for about an hour before drinking with dinner, then finished over the next 4 hours. Pretty concentrated and jammy. Dark fruits of blackberry and blueberry that bring quite a bit of sweetness. Aroma had the dark fruit and licorice. This is a nice wine, but the finish leaves way too much sweetness on the tongue. I'll see how my other bottle develops in the coming years.
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Seemed to have a little reduction? on the nose? with coffee? While the nose was odd the palate was lush, concentrated and mooth, showing lots of briary fruit along with wiled berries. Bracingly acidic at first, settled down with a few hours air. I've never had another Zin that seemed to beg for more bottle age. Lengthy finish with mocha, spice, and red fruits. Great zin, needs a few years to pull together, though very nice with a few hours air.
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Enjoyable enough with red fruit, blackberries and vanilla supported by underlying crushed rock-like structure. On the second day the alcohol level is quite evident. Searing really. And really ripe. Never came through with a distinctive presence. It's plenty big but left me wanting something more.
Outstanding Zinfandel. Blackberry with an earthy spice to it. Deep and rich but smooth as a baby's ass! Drinks great now and has runway for years to come.
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Now this is more like it. My last bottle was a total mess but this one made up for it. Sat uncorked on the counter for 3 hours. Poured and drank like blackberry velvet with a nice bramble spice to it. Lush and rich on the palate. No discernible alcohol this go round. Finished with soft tannins and a touch oak. Man I love what Mike does with Zinfandel.
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Definitely not as good as the first bottle. Not sure why. More awkward and disjointed, and a touch one dimensional. All that said, this was still a very, very good Zin, lots of deep, rich briar fruit, some spice, and a little acid to add nerve.
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Decanted about 2 hours. Bright cherry and raspberry on the nose, with hints of bramble underneath, and some mocha, pepper and earth at the end. Rich and soft on the palate, with nice bramble mixed with red fruit. The acidity is good and it really brings out the pepper and chocolate flavors.
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A very dark ruby color in the body; clear. Brambly aromas (blackberry and raspberry), pepper, exotic spices which include cinnamon, a little dark chocolate, some vanillin. Similar flavors, with the addition of some blueberry. Tannins are there but subdued. Succulent and rich in the mouth. A nice long brambly finish. In time, it should get a lot better as some of the rough edges rub off.
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brambly black fruit and spice. Takes a while to open up. There's a certain spice component to Carlisle wines that's intriguing - more than just a cinnamon or spice box aroma. A touch earthy, if you will.
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15.2% alcohol. There's just something special about the way this wine shows when it's young. Dark red-purple color. Just a gorgeous bouquet of bold black fruit laced with spice. It's an intoxicating nose. In the mouth, the wine backs off a touch, with more refinement and balance than you might expect from such a grab-you-by-the-nose wine. This is just terrific and complete from start to finish. The bottle is too easy to drink, but it's worth contemplation, too. A-/A
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First bottle I have opened since release. Been open about 15 mins, so really a pull and pour. I am pretty sensitive to heat, especially now with the amount of low alc wines I have begun to drink more and more and I have to say at this stage of having the wine opened, I don't find the heat here that some have mentioned. I find the red fruits on the nose, the incense-like note too. Palate is medium-plus bodied, with a spicy, energetic core. Raspberry and snappy red berry with cinnamon stick and cherry hard candy, which doesn't to me come off as cloying but instead tastes focused, pure. Long finish, that does include some vanilla. This wine is still young, a bit rough and tumble, but it's stuffed with a core of potential. I'll be curious to see how it does with a couple more hours of air, as I am having it with dinner, matched with some beats and walnuts, along with an #1 ahi tuna burger......so back to the wine a full day later and a wrap up to this TN. The wine shows a more juicy profile today, a bit more relaxed in flavor, too. Not jammy or 'roided up but instead more medium in weight with the same zesty red fruited core. Classic Carlisle Vineyard expression and really quite delicious. As for an aging window, the zestiness in this wine gives it some cool edges now but in 3-4 years, I think that oughta be gone. With 3 bottles in inventory, I liked this bottle now for how it tastes, the next one I will drink in 2013, and save the final one for 2015, and likely source a couple more along the way as I just really think a lot of this vineyard and what Mike does with it.
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Decanted 2hrs. Beautiful violet color. Big flamboyant nose, currants, plum, briary fruit and spice with a floral-like subtlety and suspension. Just amazing for a young zin. Palate is intense, with beautiful pure purple fruits, impressive acidity for this degree of ripeness, and a touch of vanilla tinged oak on the back end. The '09 Carlisle Zin's continue to be impressive.
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I judge wines based performance when opened as opposed to what the wine might one day be, otherwise, I would have scored this higher. Tremendous depth of black fruit here, layer upon layer. However, seems slightly disjointed and a little unbalanced at this time. I will not open another for a couple of years. I only see now that the wine maker recommended 2013-2022. This makes sense to me as it seems like this wine has the stuffing to go the long haul and turn into something fantastic.
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Pretty much a perfect zinfandel, briary, brambly raspberry aromas in the nose, followed by similar flavors on the palate. The fruit balances the alcohol and tanin.
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We had this after dinner on 1/18/12. It had an absolutely gorgeous, fragrant bouquet of blueberry, mulberry, blackberry, spice and mocha aromas. The palate was rich and ripe with flavors that followed the nose.
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If you don't like blueberry mochacino, no need to apply. This was a pop and pour. Tasted and then re-corked and visited on day two. At first, the nose shows some heat and spice. Some heat on the mid-palate too. Lots of berries and spice. Hint of bittersweet chocolate on the finish. Day two, the heat has dissipated. there is more blueberry notes; sweet rich fruit. Touch of spice on the finish along with creamy dark chocolate. Rich full bodied wine.
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Sexy heady style for the '09 Carlisle Vineyard zin, but not over the top - well structured. A lot going on with the nose, I could smell this all night. In the mouth, rich and smooth. Tasting note from memory and did not take down detailed notes.
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This bottle didn't live up to the expectations left by the last one. The alcohol never seemed to balance out and was always in the forefront. Even on day 2 it was just off kilter. The rest of the parts were great but the heat killed the experience for me.
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Popped and poured. Medium-plus purple/ruby hue, clear throughout. Expressive aromatics immediately off the pop are redolent of fresh raspberries, bramble fruits, fresh herbs, spicy incense, and toasted oak notes. With air, the spice and herbaceous elements grow more pronounced over the fruit. Medium-plus body. On the palate, flavors of well-ripened red and black fruits show as exceptionally fresh and bright due to the moderate acidity. As on the nose, the fruit is again complimented nicely with spice notes and also by a faint impression of minerals. Amazingly balanced, seamless and without a trace of heat despite 15.2% stated alcohol. The tannins are rounded and smooth on the plus close. While quite youthful, this is exceptionally showy at present but will also age nicely for 4-6+ years and should gain in complexity. Just an outstanding expression of old vine Zinfandel, easily among the best in CA...killer juice!
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Excellent, if young. Decanted for about 1 hour prior to consuming. Fresh fruit but nicely balanced with structure and some acidity. Unique in that regard for a Zin. A well made wine.
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This was a stellar wine. From the nose on, this Zin was lush and generous, offering layer upon layer of bumbleberry, blueberry, black cherry and chocolate, with a streak of acidity and a hint of chalk/mineral to add depth and contrast. Despite the abundant fruit, it was not hot or heavy handed in any way. My first Carlisle Zin--I can see what the fuss is about.
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15.2% ABV. Translucent dark garnet in the glass. Aromas of sappy black fruit with some background vague backing spice (tending toward muted cinnamon). Medium full bodied on the palate with a more approachable personality than some late vintage Carlisles I have had. The palate exhibits dark fruit and mulberry components primarily. This is drinking fairly well but probably has room to improve in bottle for a couple years.
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The nose is amazing. Such fruitiness and flavor on the front mouth followed by a deep Zinfandel mouthfeel and flavor that leads me to believe that there is only better things to come. Typically I drink my Carlisle's a few years in but this wine is OUTSTANDING now. You will be rewarded if you drink this in a few years but you can enjoy this right now
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Christmas Run; 12/24/2011-12/26/2011 (Around the Bay): A special Zinfandel. Too late in the night for much in the way of even mental notes, but notable in its integration of chocolate pudding and deep bramble fruit with a little pepper and spice on the side, medium weight with huge impact, nice glossy layers of flavor that float across the palate. Delicious benchmark Zin.
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Double decanted 4 hours before dinner. Simply delicious. Black and blue fruit for days. Great rich texture with everything in balance. Didn't follow it over the course of the decant but can only assume the hours of air did the trick. This bottle rocked! Drank alongside 2008 Turley Dragon and the Carlisle towered over it.
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Drank this one way too soon, but was too excited to open a bottle. So this was a sacrifice. Needs a lot more time. Loads of fruit. Going to be a great wine.
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Hour + decant. The basics are there...good bramble, a little licorice, a little cocoa, but it is so young and a little hot yet. It could be a great wine, but let them rest.
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Pop/pour. Opens up with a rich bramble character on the nose. With time in the glass, this fades a touch with a distinctly sweet floral character added to the mix. More of the same on a balanced palate. Enough acidity to keep this relatively light on its feet. Finishes with some fine tannins. Alcohol levels quite manageable and nicely disguised. Overall, bit tight for current drinking, at least on a pop/pour basis. Yet, this achieves such a nice inherent balance, both in flavors and structure that it shouts out "potential" for those with patience. I would decant bottles for current drinking for 60+ minutes. Better yet set it aside for 2 years. Will try to leave some for a Day 2 revisit. Score based on potential. This is some really nice juice that only needs some time to settle down.
Looking back at my other CT notes for Zinfandels, I was a bit surprised to see that this was tied for the highest score I've ever given to a Zin. That says it all for me. For my tastes, this is "center of the plate" and what a Zin should aspire to.
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Ray shared with us over dinner. This is a solid Zin from this producer, and actually had much less weight than expected. Medium bodied, but VERY full flavored and rich in texture. Could not get enough of the Black and Blue berry fruits, some dusty cocoa, and licorice. SUPERB!! Really enjoyed this wine alot.
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12/10/2021 - SineQuaNon Likes this wine:
Consumed informally and enjoyed greatly. Not tired at all from my cellar
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3/14/2021 - andyrowe wrote:
I fear this might be past it, but have two more and am hopeful this was an odd bottle. Very fruity but flat about an hour after opening, through the evening and the next evening.
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2/9/2021 - rldixon Likes this wine: 92 Points
A beautiful Zin example. Deep notes of cherry and currant, modest pepper, long finish.
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2/9/2021 - Rhwinetracker Likes this wine:
Drank with dry rub ribs for the Super Bowl - excellent.
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10/24/2020 - Ed B wrote: flawed
PnP and drank over 3 hours. Nearly opaque ruby/black. Huge nose that lingered throughout. Opened with earth and tangy, featuring big cherry with hints of raspberries. Good spice. Long, complex finish. Mellowed over several iterations, but spice and long finish remained.
3 hours later, nose and color the same. Earthy raspberry with tart (but big) cheery hints, and huge spice.
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10/11/2020 - Ed B Likes this wine: 92 Points
PnP. No detailed notes. Smooth, rich, tasty. In a great place now, but should last several more years.
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7/11/2020 - OTTMJ Likes this wine: 94 Points
Beautiful wine and I would say at its peak. Impeccable balance between the fruit and earth tones. Great structure and so enjoyable that it was tough not to gulp down!
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1/24/2020 - JKelly05 Likes this wine:
Singing right now
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10/24/2019 - jlgnml Likes this wine: 90 Points
Wow what a couple of years makes cellaring this wine. Very integrated with bright fruit and plums. Really liked this with home made pepperoni pizza babysitting the grandchildren.
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7/15/2019 - Wine Sparty wrote: 91 Points
Really nice and enjoyable with grilled ribeyes. So much sweet dark fruits at the end, though, makes me wish for a bit more secondary flavors. Do get a bit of pepper in there. Very big wine still at this stage of its life.
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6/19/2019 - andyrowe wrote: 91 Points
Drank alongside 09 Carlisle Monte Rosso, great illustration of difference natural fermentation versus added yeasts. Both are fantastic wines, the Monte Rosso is still drinking beautifully. Both opened about four hours before pouring, the Monto Rosso was preferred but Carlisle paired better with grilled pork tenderloin. Both had some pepper, Monte Rosso more small fruit compared to the Carlisle where some sweet red fruit was present but strong spices of unknown origin but very pleasant.
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12/29/2018 - silton Likes this wine: 92 Points
5 years since the previous bottle and it started out in a lovely place offering a full spectrum of black and berry fruit with less overt sweetness and almost as much power as its younger self. It got somewhat disjointed after a while, with acids on top of the fruit making the whole package shrill, but that resolved itself by the end of the night. Another great bottle of Carlisle Zin, but for my tastes there isn't a whole lot of marginal utility to bottle aging past the first 2-4 years.
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8/4/2018 - jeffreylubowski Likes this wine: 93 Points
Identical note to a year and a half ago. Still the best zin I've had. At 15.2%, no discernible heat. But still very lively. BlackBerry and plum, some earth and dirt. But mostly just damn smooth.
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7/4/2018 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 94 Points
Nose of black cherry, red cherry, plum, white pepper, and a touch of earth, same on the palate, big body, very tasty, at its peak, mouth filling fruit, rich fruit, almost elegant, paired with baked French brie on a freshly baked French baguette-terrific combo! lovely wine enjoyed over two evenings, and a long flavorful finish and aftertaste. BTW-Happy 4th of July to everyone!!!!
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6/23/2018 - Charlie C Likes this wine: 93 Points
Still a dark ruby color with the slightest fading at the edges. Brilliant raspberry notes on the nose. Bright raspberry and blackberry fruit on the palate with a hint of warm spice and cracked black pepper. Great acidity, firm tannins and wonderful balance. Finishes long and spicy. What a zinfandel should be. Lovely stuff. I would think it would hold for a few years more.
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4/7/2018 - jfkwines wrote: 93 Points
Popped open and realized it wouldn't have been drank, so recorked and opened 24 hours later. Absolutely terrific. Wonderful Zin mouth, brambly fruit. Highly recommend
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3/18/2018 - dsimmons Likes this wine: 94 Points
My next to last bottle of this beautiful zin. Pop and pour. Elegant fruit, spice and secondary flavors. Just delicious. Will try to save my last bottle for at least three years to see how it develops.
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2/8/2018 - Castle Peak wrote: 92 Points
Lively, flavorful and fun. As expected, another fine offering from Carlisle.
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11/23/2017 - Dearborn1977 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Good, but fruit is more muted than prior bottles. Clearly on the downslope at this point.
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11/2/2017 - Angle Gold Likes this wine: 92 Points
Excellent. Slight black pepper, mostly red fruit and balanced.
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9/10/2017 - jfkwines wrote: flawed
Taint
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8/23/2017 - Khyrz075 wrote:
Fabulous wine right now. Wish I had more.
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8/3/2017 - jpmo Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very nice - may improve a bit with some additional cellar time but not worth the wait. I suggest drinking this Zinfandel over the next couple of years. Still plenty of fruit and lingering finish. This is what Carlisle Zins are all about.
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7/15/2017 - sma wrote: 92 Points
Deep garnet color, ink staining the glass. Red/purple/black fruit with some spice and depth. Very smooth and mature.
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6/29/2017 - Mike V wrote: 91 Points
These wines really are special. Deep purple with a very clean nose red and blue fruit.
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6/23/2017 - tomlee wrote: 94 Points
Crimson in color. 15.2% ABV. Sublime nose of red and blue fruits, pepper and a hint of peach. Full bodied and bursting with acidity. Plush, opulent and so very smooth on the palate. Exceptional balance. Raspberries, boysenberries and Asian spices on the palate. The wine finishes strong. Glorious Zinfandel from one of the top old vine vineyards in the Russian River Valley. Drink over the next 2-3 years.
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6/10/2017 - btock wrote: 92 Points
Drinking at peak. This was much rounder than I recall. Purple fruit still the lead, but the overall profile has softened. Was happy to catch it now that any further along the aging curve.
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5/22/2017 - EMTAME wrote: 92 Points
Drinking at peak. This got positive reviews from both of us for its smooth, berry-laden yumminess. I may be underrating it at 92 pts.
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3/20/2017 - jlgnml Does not like this wine: 88 Points
Dark color, heavy palate feel, mushy, not my style.
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3/11/2017 - dhammer53 wrote: 92 Points
Smooth and velvety. Some fruit. Tasty. A hint of tannins would suggest there's still life here. On Day 2, the acid upset my stomach.
Drank this with Jane and Mitch at Stella's on L.I.
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3/3/2017 - jeffreylubowski Likes this wine: 93 Points
Probably the best zin I've ever had. This does everything right. Not some jammy thick alcoholic sludge, but a smooth lively multi noted drink. Still maintaining blackberry and plum fruit but starting to show some earth and dirt. You can't sense any heat here. Drinking so well right now but doesn't look like it's falling apart by any means.
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2/4/2017 - Brsed wrote: 93 Points
This wine has really come together. Tremendous aromatics with a tremendous depth of fruit but with balance. This should go on for quite some time.
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11/9/2016 - tomherer Likes this wine: 94 Points
Amen, btock. Not sure I'd know acacia or sumac if it landed in my breakfast cereal, but there's a lot going on here for sure. Agree that the Carlisles that show young structure can take 3-5 years to enter a sweet spot, but have also noticed them hanging on just fine in the 5-10 year range lately. This one should be no different.
Blackberry, raspberry, plum, graphite, purple flowers, anise, dirt. Finish is long, juicy, and brambly. Savory licorice and cigar at the tail end. Not shrill, not flabby, just right. Meant to save this for a side-by-side with the '09 Papera, but impulse got to it first, and there aren't enough livers in the house tonight to process both bottles. Would replace in a heartbeat and be comfortable storing for another three years at least.
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10/19/2016 - btock Likes this wine: 94 Points
A pleasure. Very much alive, pungent purple fruit. Bit of acacia, sappy boisenberry and sumac. Purple fruit impression with a bit of magenta coloring. Fresher than I expected. Had the '09 Papera a couple weeks back (which was delicious) and this Carlisle Vineyard bottle was brighter and more youthful. Great from first glass to last drop, a really well made wine in good spot. I like my Carlisle zins with 3-5 years on them generally. Let some '09s go a bit longer given the structure they had young and that has been rewarded. Yum!
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8/26/2016 - sawira wrote: 93 Points
Bottle #6 of 6. This bottle showed more bright red raspberry oriented fruit, with great vibrancy and crispness. Oak in the background. Very delicious.
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8/5/2016 - williamswhine Likes this wine: 91 Points
Dark berry nose; fruity. Drank when bottle was too cold-- didn't particularly have much going on. As the wined warmed, complex, deep, berry nose, spicy, smooth, velvet, easy drinking. Perhaps a little peaked.
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7/15/2016 - sawira Likes this wine: 94 Points
Fantastic. Vibrant, effusive dark fruit, lots of earth and bramble, long finish, some heat in moments. Perfectly peaking now.
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6/12/2016 - Night Train Likes this wine: 90 Points
A lot brighter and livelier than a Zin this old should be. Berries, spices, and a little citrus (?) on both the nose and on the palate. Surprisingly viscous but still only medium-bodied. Good (not great) finish. A few months ago, I thought it was a little too sweet, but it was terrific this time when paired with BBQ.
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4/19/2016 - sawira wrote: 94 Points
Bottle #4 of 6. Enjoyed over two nights. This wine's hallmark is its balance - fantastic fruit still, beautiful acidity and enough structure to hold it all together and provide superb detail, just enough bottle age to show plenty of complexity, and not too much oak - just enough to keep it full and rich and provide mouth feel and texture. Still huge, chiseled red black and purple fruit, with a wonderful crisp green note, almost like stem inclusion, that I associate with this vineyard. Good for another 2-4 years, but it's stupendous now.
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4/18/2016 - Munch Likes this wine: 95 Points
Finished it tonight 2 nights after opening and it was as good or better...probably has a good future at least a few years. Beautiful classic Zinfandel open knot nose of spicy berry and pepper and cedar and on the palate same dark berry, cherry, leather, cigar box and spices with medium weight and solid finish. This is in a great place right now. Another great wine and value from Mike Ofiicer.
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4/16/2016 - Night Train Likes this wine: 88 Points
Almost two years ago, I thought this wine might be fading. If anything, it seems more vibrant and less muted now than it did back in mid-2014. Unfortunately, it struck me as a little too sweet, a condition that might be corrected by an appropriate food pairing (BBQ), more bottle age, and/or longer and better aeration. Aside from the sweetness, it was well balanced, without noticeable heat.
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2/15/2016 - rdf58 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Consistently a top wine from what turned out to be a terrific vintage for Carlisle. Great aromas of dark fruit. Cherry-blackberry fruit without being jammy and well integrated tannins. Just right acidity. Still young enough to last a few more years.
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1/24/2016 - Dale M wrote: 94 Points
Decanted 3 hrs. The 09 Carlisle Vineyard is in the zone and a terrify showing last night. Perfectly balanced between youthful, rich plum and other exotic Zin-esque goodies with layering and complexity. My last bottle, and a top ten Carlisle Zin for my palate.
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1/1/2016 - kanab ram Likes this wine:
Beautifully refined. Nice red fruit. Drinking very well now.
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12/26/2015 - dougie Likes this wine: 93 Points
Wait at least 2 years for the last one.
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12/13/2015 - williamswhine Likes this wine: 94 Points
Great wine. Classically Carlisle -- big and very berry. Not overly spicy; light jam/fruit forward. Pretty consistent from nose to finish with a medium to long finish. Made my evening... just a beautiful wine at this time.
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10/27/2015 - corkscrews Likes this wine: 91 Points
A nose of dark fruit and some spice, dark garnet in color. A medium to full bodied Zin blend with plum, raspberry, some licorice and spice on finish. Still young, decant. www.winelx.com
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10/9/2015 - aaronwine Likes this wine: 93 Points
Awesome Zin - enough said! Other notes are accurate.
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10/8/2015 - dougie Likes this wine: 93 Points
Poured off a glass and let open for an hour. A bit disjointed and jammy at first. Secondary flavors started coming forward after another hour. Great berry and spice. Wait two years for next one of two.
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9/6/2015 - lushlife wrote: 93 Points
outstanding zin; black and blue fruit on the nose; echoed on the palette with spice and some smoke; smooth finish
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9/4/2015 - mossreport Likes this wine: 93 Points
Awesome.
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8/18/2015 - snarfglk wrote: 91 Points
Just outstanding zinfandel.
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8/3/2015 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 91 Points
Largely consistent with previous notes. Tasted over the course of a week from Enomatic. On a couple of occasions, I felt a bit of heat and this was just a touch boozy. But otherwise typical Carlisle goodness. I prefer the Papera Ranch over this vineyard, at least in the vintages I have tried so far.
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7/26/2015 - Frank Murray III wrote:
In a quick whim, I pulled this and the 08 to take a brunch. Side by side, they are indeed different. The 2008 is more red fruited while the 2009 is darker. Both had acidity and the alcs were well managed with the 2008 seeming like it might age better, given the other notes like loam and some structure. The 2009 was more opulent and riper toned than the 2008, too. I supposed it depends on what you want in your Zin both but drank very well.
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7/24/2015 - depdoc Likes this wine: 95 Points
Dark fruit, intense, massive, fruit forward, and fantastic. So well balanced! Oh, I wish I had more!
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6/28/2015 - Mark H. LeQuire wrote: 94 Points
First of two bottles. Will enter more formal note with the next. This is a true beauty of a zin. Ready to drink. Paired perfectly with barbecue ribs and smoked sausage.
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6/9/2015 - snarfglk wrote: 90 Points
A smooth and well balanced zinfandel, just lacking some WOW factor.
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5/25/2015 - Nanda Likes this wine: 92 Points
With ribs and brats -- this was just an exceptional pairing and enjoyable drink. Bold nose of blackberry, spice, herbs and smoke. Fresh and juicy. Medium weight and precisely chiseled. Worked well with the smoked baby backs and beer brats and peppers. Plenty of life ahead, but I'm glad to have consumed my third and final bottle at a peak drinking window.
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4/27/2015 - Screameagle Likes this wine: 90 Points
Not mind blowing just a very nice wine.
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4/4/2015 - btock wrote: 92 Points
I fine the Carlisle Vineyard to consistently be the most elegant of Mike's wines. I think this is because of the restraint and balance, without sacrificing flavor. This was true with this bottle, the first of the '09 version that I've opened. Actually drank better the second day as the wine unfolded a bit. Core blue/black fruit, silky tannins. minerality in the backdrop. A non-wine drinker in the group commented "this is awesome". I think with 1-2 more years this will go somewhere special.
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4/2/2015 - Nanda wrote: 92 Points
Full rich concentrated nose of blackberry fruit, dark chocolate and spice. Rich luscious fruit with bright juicy acidity. Plenty of youthful energy and structure. Long bright fruit and spice filled finish.
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3/5/2015 - carendt wrote: 94 Points
A magical, standout wine - supple and seamless, with gorgeous tertiary floral notes. Mike's wines never disappoint but this is one not to be missed.
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2/20/2015 - Acohen Likes this wine: 93 Points
Really seamless zin with great purity of fruit, dark blackberry and slight spice and completely integrated tannins
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2/17/2015 - sawira wrote:
No formal notes. This was singing. Right in its pocket and with glorious exuberance, but also details - a wonderful combination. Consistent with previous notes.
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2/14/2015 - Screameagle Likes this wine: 93 Points
A wonderful zin that is drinking in it's prime. I decanted it only for a short period of time which I thought was just about right. The Carlisle Carlisle zin is always one of my favorites and this bottle is no exception.
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1/21/2015 - OneLastSyrah Likes this wine:
15.2% ABV. Translucent dark garnet in the glass. Black fruit on the nose with a touch of chalky soil and baking spices. Ripe, sweet black fruit on the palate. Like the '09 Montafi tasted alongside this is fully mature and slightly short on acidity, but very tasty.
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1/2/2015 - rdf58 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Fully mature RRV Zin. Drinking beautifully at this point. Great balance of fruit, earthiness, acidity (low) and structure. Soft tannins. Definite hint of baking/Asian spices noted by others with some ripe plum notes coming through on the finish.
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12/29/2014 - Nanda wrote: 93 Points
Full nose of ripe red and blue fruit, herbs and Christmas spices. Palate is rich but full of juicy acidity that provides balance, energy and length. So much flavor intensity packed on the palate - some dark chocolate notes add layers and depth. Long juicy, flavorful finish.
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12/5/2014 - Old Gray Hare Likes this wine: 91 Points
Last two bottles. On the nose earthy raspberry and a little smoke. The big surprise is the smooth slightly viscous mouthfeel which allows the soft round berry flavors to gradually build and evolve, with a definite Asian spice accent. Long finish. I decanted, which softened the initial impression but did not seem to impact flavor profile much.
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12/1/2014 - dlduchon Likes this wine: 95 Points
I know this is a very high score for a zinfandel field blend, but it deserves it. Not overripe or over extracted just a wonderful balance. My 95 is as compared to other zins, but very, very few reach this level. Wonderful with Thanksgiving leftovers.
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11/28/2014 - jaumealaska Likes this wine: 91 Points
Definitely worked great with Thanksgiving meal. Great spice to the nose, dark fruits in the body, had enough acid to stand up to everything except the cranberries. Tannins were firm but not dry. Not too hot which speaks to the balance given the alcohol level is 15.2 %. wine is definitely coming into its own and would drink over the next three years.
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11/10/2014 - GTFreek wrote:
Blind tasted. Nose shows dark plum, blackberry, raspberry jam, baking spice. Moderate plus alcohol (actually high) and finish. Moderate tannins and acidity. The black fruit layers led me to CA Syrah instead of Zin.
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11/4/2014 - Winevestor wrote: 90 Points
Leather and tobacco. Big fruit, dark berries. Came across as alcoholic which spoilt it for me.
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10/5/2014 - dsimmons Likes this wine: 93 Points
Mike's zins are just so reliably delicious it is hard to come up with new accolades for this producer. this zin is another example of zin at its best.
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10/3/2014 - lvjohn Likes this wine: 93 Points
Amazing wine with the old style Zinfandel spice I remember from my first experience with the varietal in 1973 plus the rich elegance of modern wine making. Deep purple in color with a nice sweet nose. Fruits remind me of plums and black raspberries.
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8/17/2014 - Matt T Likes this wine: 92 Points
Extremely rich with pronounced notes of blackberry and chocolate. This is relatively low in acid, but has smooth tannins and nice secondary notes. At peak now.
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8/16/2014 - Uglypinga wrote:
The nose on this is big and pleasant woth beef, rhubarb and raspberries. The palate is medium with ripe berries and a hint of beef. Long and delicious.
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8/5/2014 - Bluffan wrote: 94 Points
There is a uniqueness to this wine that transcends description - even in this ad nausem forum. It's a faint, ah, coffee/chocolate/toast -- of course, those are descriptives. Together with a very balanced, rich profile, especially for a Zin, this would be a major crowd pleaser. (Too bad I don't want to share this one with a crowd.)
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8/1/2014 - Chainthroer wrote: 94 Points
Deep, dark and almost inky garnet color; seemed opaque in the kitchen light. Aromas of blackberry, raspberry, blueberry, dusty, brambly, cinnamon, spice and oak. The blueberry was not quite as obvious as last time. Big, rich and full bodied, with the addition of some chocolate flavor in the mouth; layers of intense fruit. Great structure. Fairly well balanced; the tannin is dwarfed by the fruit intensity. Highly enjoyable now. Still, this seems to to be a longer than normal lived Zinfandel. Too bad it's my last bottle of the vintage.
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7/31/2014 - marka wrote: 92 Points
This was so nice. Red fruit, subtle pepper, nice feel in the mouth. Had with grilled chuck roast one night and burgers another night. Nice balance. Two left...leave next one for 2016.
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7/28/2014 - dsimmons Likes this wine: 93 Points
Yet another delicious bottle of carlisle zin. YUMMY
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7/26/2014 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 92 Points
Coravin'd some at Lake Placid for the 4th, then opened the rest of the bottle tonight. Stayed in perfect shape over the 3+ weeks. Consistent with previous notes. The concentration of the fruit and its vibrancy are the things that really impress about this wine. There are some subtle hints of spice that add a bit of intrigue, but this is mostly fruit forward and powerful. This Carlisle Vineyard does have pretty good acidity which is critical to keep the wine feeling fresh and not ponderous. But the acidity is not as impressive as with the Papera. Served at 57 deg, the alcohol is not at all a problem, but just a hint of heat began to come into play as the wine warmed toward room temp, so I would drink this below 65 deg if you are sensitive to heat like I am. Paired decently with homemade Pesto on pasta along with chicken. Overall, among these 2009's, I slightly prefer the Monte Rosso and the Papera to the Carlisle Vineyard, but all are very good wines.
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7/9/2014 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Didn't breathe all that long. Garnet hues. Black with a hint of red fruit. Complex. Good finish.
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7/8/2014 - michigan dogs Likes this wine: 94 Points
luscious, as good as zin gets, drinking great now. Does not appear do be at the end of the drinking window yet. Wish I had more.
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7/4/2014 - Night Train wrote: 90 Points
Opened about 2 to 2 1/2 hours before tasting. Although several recent tasting notes say "drink now", I'm not so sure. The fruit is a little muted (faded?), but the impressive structure suggests it may actually improve a little as the tannins soften. Restrained and elegant for a Zinfandel.
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5/1/2014 - EhrlichDY Likes this wine: 91 Points
Similar to my impression from February 2014. Drink Now.
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4/14/2014 - sawira wrote: 93 Points
This is without a doubt the best of Mike's vineyards, for my palate. It consistently has a structure and definition, perfectly complimenting the bodacious fruit, that sets it apart. This bottle shows that 'exquisite huge black fruit perfectly balanced with vanillin oak' thing Mike does so well - grapesickle to the max. I found a palate note that shows as dill or green pepper, and it actually works brilliantly to add complexity to the big blackberry compote hedonism. Brilliant, as usual.
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3/21/2014 - slywka7 wrote: 91 Points
This was a bit hot upon opening. Got some aromas of raspberry, blueberry, pepper and currant. The wine is a tad hot on the attack but settles down with flavors of raspberry, dried blueberry, boysenberry and a hint of earth. Finishes nicely that lasts 25 seconds. Heat is a little unusual but still very nice.
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3/13/2014 - mjf@ulkner wrote: 91 Points
Smooth and silky. Not as rustic, brambly and spicy as many zins. Downright elegant, nice QPR.
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2/25/2014 - EhrlichDY Likes this wine: 91 Points
Classic Carlisle. Grapey, Dark Fruited, Brambly, Lightly spiced (oak). Popped and poured and drank as an after dinner drink. Drink now.
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2/21/2014 - dsimmons Likes this wine: 91 Points
This wine was excellent, especially after being opened for about an hour. I will give my bottles a little more cellar time or an hour decant. Loads of fruit and spice.
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1/25/2014 - Chainthroer wrote: 93 Points
The wine today is quite similar to my descriptive of 9/1/2013: "a dark garnet color; still purple on the rim. The brambly aromas of blackberry and raspberry are supplemented with lots of blueberry, along with cinnamon, exotic spices and vanillan oak. This time the blueberry was more obvious on the nose. The flavors are much the same, along with some dark chocolate. Creamy and viscous in the mouth. Big, rich and full bodied. Nice structure and balance. It still has an extended cinnamon-like finish that is fairly soft." Paired again with B.Q. pork ribs - nice combo.
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1/24/2014 - williamswhine Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drinking very nicely. Classically Carlisle -- big and very berry. Not spicy; light jam/fruit forward. Pretty consistent from nose to finish with a medium to long finish.
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1/1/2014 - stufis wrote: 94 Points
Josh Raynolds was sure right on this one. Smoother than most Carlisles only 3 years out. The usual fragrance, quite forceful, makes you pay attention. Has the noted red-note profile on the palate as well as a long finish. An hour or two later it's even better, so a short decant would help.
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12/25/2013 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drank with cheese and italian meats prior to Xmas eve dinner. Popped and ran through vinturi. Everyone really liked this. Vibrant red fruits, cinnamon and some other baking spices add a touch of complexity. Nice weight and concentration, but not gloppy. I started to get just a bit of heat as this warmed to room temp, so I recommend drinking it around 60 deg. The acidity here was decent and kept this from feeling gloppy, but it did not have the ripping acidity that I loved so much in the '09 Carlisle Papera. Overall (based on memory), I preferred the Papera to this one. But both are excellent wines. Drinking well now with a bit of air but no hurry. I think the CT window is about right.
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12/24/2013 - Frank Murray III wrote:
Nearly 2 years in between bottles. Figured I would provide an opening note with about 45 mins or air, then close later with a few more comments as this bottle is surely to be finished tonight. No heat here, which is consistent with my last note. And, the same cinnamon stick comment holds true, as well. In fact, and take this in a positive frame as this is the way I intend it, the wine has a 'red hots' candy profile, in that the fruit is red based, charged up with nice acidity and spice, the texture glossy. The wine finishes with a loamy/soil note, which I have found in past vintages, too, the length of finish is fantastic. Wow.
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12/14/2013 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Really good zin. Great integrated fruit, some zing on the tongue, classic stuff. Thanks Mike.
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12/11/2013 - rocknroller wrote: 93 Points
Big Reds on a Sub-Zero Afternoon (Rocknroller's (Kevin's)): Very dark purple-red color. PNP, drank 2 glasses over 2 hours. Nose is fresh with black raspberry, blueberry, plum, dried earth, briary, black licorice. The palate is medium full bodied with brambly fruits, blackberry, black raspberry, black licorice, briar, spice, pepper and some mild oak. This was well balanced with round plush tannins and a medium plus finish. No decant needed. Impressive.
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12/11/2013 - B Paul wrote: flawed
Unfortunately corked. It's too bad, because even despite being corked you could tell the underlying fruit/wine was of very strong pedigree.
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12/8/2013 - Outplaying wrote:
Ann opened this yesterday, had a glass or two and left the remainder on the counter under cork. Today this shows a mix of both red and black fruits. The red comes across as ripe but tart raspberries and a little cranberry. There is also a little black cherry and what comes across as sweet-tart candy, and almost cola like. I dont mean that in a bad way though. The wine is ripe and despite those desciptors shows more crunchy than candied. Good acidity in this, too. Ann says she liked this better yesterday when it was plusher, softer and fruitier. All of those things would be a bad thing in my mind. I don't drink much zin anymore but I enjoyed this today in front of the fireplace, watching football and the snow come down outside.
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11/28/2013 - fredman wrote: 93 Points
This was a perfect compliment to Thanksgiving. Red fruits, even some cranberry, were in perfect harmony.
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11/27/2013 - ogres3 wrote: 93 Points
Kudos to Mike. Great zin. Deacant about an hour. Great fruit - not overpowering. Alcohol muted. Nice finish.
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11/24/2013 - Robert Pavlovich wrote: 92 Points
14 months since first tasted. The additional bottle age is doing this wine very well, and may be even better over the next few years. Gorgeous blackberry and violet nose. The palate shows good freshness and concentrated, dark fruit flavors jump out on the mid palate along with some spice. The oak is better integrated than a year ago, but still dominant on the finish, which shows good persistence. This will continue to benefit with additional bottle age. 92+
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11/13/2013 - wrm Likes this wine: 92 Points
A zesty wine with gorgeous red berry flavors and considerable energy.
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10/19/2013 - williamswhine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Classically Carlisle -- big and very berry. Not spicy; light jam/fruit forward. Pretty consistent from nose to finish with a medium to long finish.
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9/29/2013 - sawira wrote: 92 Points
Bright, full-bodied, raspberry-fruited deliciousness. Earth, anise, a dollop of stylish but not insignificant oak, and the cooler terroir of the Carlisle vineyard's structural acidity, and even some buried tannins, round out this offering. Some heat on the finish, this will be significantly better in a year, and maintain its peak for another five after that. I'm more and more clear that this vineyard is my fave of Mike's gems, and while I prefer the 08 and am hesitant of this vintage's big fruit orientation, I'm looking forward to this wine's run over the next few years. Thank you Mike! 92+pts pure quality, 94pts personal preference.
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9/20/2013 - leadpencil wrote: 94 Points
Dark, medium-full bodied, brooding. Blackberry, blueberry, thorns.
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9/15/2013 - swillpower wrote:
Just great Zin. Hitting on all cylinders with a bit of air, though could age a while. Should have gotten much more.
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9/1/2013 - Chainthroer wrote: 93 Points
A dark garnet color; still purple on the rim. The brambly aromas of blackberry and raspberry are supplemented with lots of blueberry, along with cinnamon, exotic spices and vanillan oak. This time the blueberry was more obvious on the nose. The flavors are much the same, along with some dark chocolate. Creamy and viscous in the mouth. Big, rich and full bodied. Nice structure and balance. It still has an extended cinnamon-like finish that is fairly soft. A good pairing with BQ pork ribs, as long as the BQ sauce on the ribs is not over done. I liked the wine more by itself though. The fourth time I've had this wine. Score 93-94.
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9/1/2013 - mpricher wrote: 93 Points
Wonderful! Really coming into it's own! Similar to prior tasting notes. Lots of depth and power, but it's the secondary flavors, baking spice and carmel with the jammy berries that I enjoy most. Wicked good!
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8/31/2013 - rdf58 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Very consistent bottles, previous notes apply. Opaque red-purple color. Opens with a terrific aromatic burst of dark fruit. Rich texture but impeccably balanced. Tempting to drink up rather than hold.
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8/22/2013 - garambler wrote: 94 Points
Friends and I had this with grilled burgers on 8/22/13. It had an elegant, expressive and beguiling bouquet of floral, black cherry, raspberry, blackberry, leather and spice aromas. The palate was rich, ripe, velvety smooth and dry with flavors that followed the nose. This is one of my all-time favorite Zins. 93+
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7/27/2013 - slywka7 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Lots of big fruit on both the nose and the palate. Had with homemade burgers. Really enjoyed it and you can't go wrong with that combo!
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7/23/2013 - leftylevi wrote: 90 Points
No formal notes, as this was drank casually with my wife. However, the impression was of a very enjoyable bottle. Very rich with big sweet red fruits with some zin spiciness and some vanillin in the background. Extremely smooth on the palate and went down way to easily. I have one more and will wait a couple years to try again.
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7/22/2013 - Amerique wrote: 93 Points
Terrific Zin. Mixed berry fruit fully integrated. Drinking very nicely.
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7/1/2013 - Old Gray Hare wrote: 90 Points
Earthier, softer flavor than the Papera from night before. More Russian River brier and berry. Did not appreciate pepper.
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6/19/2013 - williamswhine Likes this wine: 93 Points
Fantastic bottle-- drinking perfectly! Smooth, nice spice, terrific balance and finish. Great zin!
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5/26/2013 - Dale M wrote: 94 Points
Decanted 1 hr. Even by the lofty Carlisle standards, this is really a top shelf, superb example of old vine Zin. While low in acidity (or perceived anyway), the delivery of loamy rose petal, licorice, and black raspberry is utterly seamless and without an edge to be seen anywhere. I’m a sucker for wines that can pull off the low acid / gorgeous structure trick, and especially without coming across as a fruit heavy wine. Paired with homemade chicken in saffron cream (I love Indian food with Zin), and I must say, it was a perfect match. Top 5 all-time Carlisle Zin for me, though the 07 Montafi still keeps its place on the top of Mt Olympus.
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5/24/2013 - Mtnmd1 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Bright fruit on the nose, no jam, excellent balance, went well w pulled pork, last glass best 4 hrs after opening.
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5/18/2013 - silton Likes this wine: 93 Points
Superb and hardly changed from 18 months ago, only with less liquor/gloss and more breadth on the palate. Yum.
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5/10/2013 - Swan1 wrote: 95 Points
This had the classic fruit and spice of a good Zin but added an earthy almost loamy quality that increased its complexity and pleasure. Really enjoyable.
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4/21/2013 - Screameagle Likes this wine: 93 Points
What a great zin that is drinking great and appears to be just entering it's prime and could even get better in a year or two. I have always loved what Mike does with fruit from the original Peleti vineyard and this bottle is no exception.
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4/19/2013 - Chainthroer wrote: 93 Points
I really like this wine. It has brambly aromas and flavors of blackberry and raspberry, as well as pepper, some blueberry, exotic spices, cinnamon and vanillin oak. A big, rich and full bodied wine. Succulent and viscous in the mouth. Very good structure and balance. A long, extended and cinnamon-like finish. Pretty good food wine too; paired to roasted ribbed-pork with a mild Cajun sauce.
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4/15/2013 - mpricher wrote: 92 Points
Fantastic! This is to Zinfandel what Schrader or Bond is to Cabernet. Mike Officer is a sculptor, who knows how to find great fruit, and not mess with it. After the initial Oak blew off in 30 minutes, this just continued to open and offer so many level of black and red berry fruit and secondary flavors. This is a dynamic Zin, and well beyond a fluffy Jammy description. This is America's Varietal, with distinction and awareness of where it's from! If you have access to this stuff, then you must give it a try. Really well integrated at this point, and I think another 2-3 yrs of life in this bottle at full power.
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4/14/2013 - rdf58 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Explosive aromatics that don't quit along with bright red and black fruit flavors. Nice undertone of zin spice and unobtrusive oak. Richness and fruit that are balanced by acidity and smooth tannins. Really a complete, balanced zin.
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4/5/2013 - mbenz Likes this wine: 93 Points
Such a nice wine. Bright fruits, but nicely packaged.
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4/5/2013 - dhammer53 wrote:
No notes other than to say this was a good wine. Drank at my 60th.
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3/17/2013 - eeeeeradicator wrote: 90 Points
Pepper and juniper nose. Soft and velvety even with the (noticeable) high alcohol. Powerful fruit with blood orange and black cherry elements.
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3/15/2013 - Uglypinga Likes this wine:
Oily nose with raspberries, oak, and black pepper. The palate is bright and inviting with nice fruits and powerful acidity. Great finish with hints of wild berries that sticks Around for a long time. Delicious.
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3/2/2013 - ravbik wrote: 90 Points
Crisp, brambly, raspberry, plum, slight cherry, mild tannins. Initially light to medium body and then concentrates after one hour and becomes more richer. Sweeter tones later on.
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2/24/2013 - awise45 wrote: 94 Points
Always a fan of Carlisle wines, but this one was particularly great. Full and very fruity, but without being jammy or overpowering. Long finish, hint of vanilla. Awesome.
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1/22/2013 - Oakjeff wrote: 94 Points
One of the best Zinfandels I have ever had. Rich and pure without being overpowering. Needs at least an hour decant. Reflective of the Russian River Valley terroir.
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12/8/2012 - dougie Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decanted for an hour. Beautiful and a bit fruit forward at the beginning. Then it became much more complex. Needed to try a Carlisle after delivery and this made me very happy. Wait at least a year for the next one.
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11/30/2012 - Amerique wrote: 93 Points
Classic California Zin. Rich, chewy, full-bodied mixed berry fruit with hint of raisony flavor, excellent structure, long finish
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11/23/2012 - DavidDay wrote: 95 Points
Picture perfect zinfandel
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11/22/2012 - fredman wrote: 93 Points
One hour decant. Candied raspberries and spiced red cherries highlight a wonderfully well-balanced wine.
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11/11/2012 - burgbob wrote: 92 Points
Great example of zin with deep blueberry and mocha, good structure but ready to drink.
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10/31/2012 - Allie_ wrote: 92 Points
Slightly musky on the nose, on the sweet side, jammy but delicious.
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10/21/2012 - Frommen wrote: 91 Points
Sure its kinda sweet, and it possesses a lot of dark cherry fruit, but it manages too keep itself on just the right side of overripeness. Actually its a great example of cali zin. Fresh as it is, it still goes best with cheeses...
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10/10/2012 - Mike Dildine wrote: 93 Points
My last of these. Really, really nice!
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10/3/2012 - Nutty08 wrote: 91 Points
Still very young. Still has very high acidity and a taught palate. Nice berries and cassis flavors. Touch of vanilla. Nice but super young. Acidity keeps it fresh. More closed than prior bottles.
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9/29/2012 - oeno1820 wrote: 91 Points
Starts blocky, but after time ,opens to a spicy, lush, layered flavors. Needs to decant well before drinking.
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9/22/2012 - Robert Pavlovich wrote: 91 Points
Fragrant and lush right out of the bottle. Palate shows a red, blue, and black fruit medley with (barely) civilized tannins and solid acidic support. Some new oak and menthol freshness appear on a nice medium-full finish. Like most wines above 15% in ABV, this really shines with a cooler serving temperature and due to the moderate amount of acidity, paired well with medium cheddar and other soft cheeses. Approachable now, this should show slightly better with another 1-2 years of bottle age. 93% Zinfandel, 7% (Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Petite Sirah, Peloursin, Tempranillo, and others). Nice wine, but IWC a little more exuberant than usual. 91+ points.
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9/22/2012 - Johnny2X wrote: 89 Points
Needs time. Still tight and unexpressive, but ripe cherry comes through with a backbone of darker flavors. Good finish. Improved with food (hamburgers on grill and baked beans, etc..). Tannic structure tells me I am tasting the blending grapes more than expected in the blend. And the blueberry PS flavor shows as well, which should allow this wine to age well. I'd try another (if I had one) in a year or two but not sooner. J2X.
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9/16/2012 - Outplaying wrote:
Fire pit Friday (Our house, Kennett square, PA): Considering where my palet is moving and after following an old Pinot, the Coudoulet de Beaucastel and the Validicava brunello, this didn't show well for me. Just too much fruit and alcohol. It wasn't really a fair setting to be honest. For me the Carlisle zins need to be enjoyed on their own or with similar styled wined. Ann and Karen loved it however.
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9/12/2012 - deltacop wrote: 92 Points
Smooth, awesome. Pow. Bam zoom. Enjoy
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9/8/2012 - JoelZ wrote: 94 Points
So smooth. 15.2% alcohol and not hot in the least.
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9/8/2012 - bubbachumps wrote: 93 Points
Consistent with my prior notes.
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8/25/2012 - Matt T wrote: 92 Points
Dark berry and sandalwood with good acidity. I think this needs more time.
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8/25/2012 - DavidDay wrote: 94 Points
Red berry flavors, good acidity, perfectly balanced.
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8/19/2012 - garambler wrote: 93 Points
I took this to a Zinfandel tasting on 8/19/12. It had a fragrant and elegant bouquet of blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, Asian spice and mocha aromas. The palate was rich, dense and dry with flavors that followed the nose. It was the groups WOTN. 92+
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8/15/2012 - jnanz wrote:
Excellent - outstanding. Best Carlisle I've had to date. Plush, rich, spicy black fruit. Nice tannins on a cocoa-y finish.
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8/6/2012 - rdf58 wrote: 94 Points
Wow! Very intense fruit and aromas. Still very fresh, young and primary, even on day 2. Well balanced acidity, but very rich. Really stands out even among the other 2009 Carlisle Zins. Should be interesting to follow for several years.
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8/5/2012 - SacramentoCharlie wrote: 92 Points
delicious blueberry with a touch of spice. super balance, mouthfeel and finish. Great wine.
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8/1/2012 - Acohen wrote: 92 Points
Dark, richblueberry with brambly nose and interesting spices. Great match with greek gyros
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7/25/2012 - Chainthroer wrote: 93 Points
Similar to my tasting 5 months ago. A dark ruby color. Brambly aromas (blackberry and raspberry), lots of exotic spice, cinnamon, some vanillin. I did not get any chocolate this time. Similar flavors, along with pepper and a touch of blueberry. Tannins seem subdued and well integrated into the wine. Big, rich and succulent in the mouth; velvety, creamy and somewhat viscous. Nice structure and balance. A long brambly finish. Pairs well tonight with grilled Cajun spiced pork chops. Très bon zinfandel. Score 93-94.
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7/12/2012 - gutt22 wrote:
15.2% alcohol. Just a smoking bottle of wine. Rich, jammy, and totally in balance. Delightful, soaring nose. Terrific palate presence. Just a lot of fun to drink. A-/A
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7/5/2012 - The Vinsider wrote: 92 Points
Drank with Pop and Sue and homemade grilled gazpacho and chicken burritos. Happy night.
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6/25/2012 - Mike Dildine wrote: 94 Points
Very fine. Wine of the weekend.
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6/11/2012 - raydawgone wrote: 94 Points
Intense aromatics of perfume, smoke & fresh herbs. Blackberry compote with vanilla bean rubbed on toasted oak. Perfect level of acidity.
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6/10/2012 - Acohen wrote: 91 Points
Great zin with dark fruit, bramble, spice and long finish
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6/6/2012 - haldolugr wrote: 90 Points
Dark, chewy, and spicy. A great wine but we had to pop and pour before the radiohead show started so no decant and the tannins were a little strong on the finish. But with time to open it would score higher.
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5/17/2012 - Wine Sparty wrote: 90 Points
Decanted for about an hour before drinking with dinner, then finished over the next 4 hours. Pretty concentrated and jammy. Dark fruits of blackberry and blueberry that bring quite a bit of sweetness. Aroma had the dark fruit and licorice. This is a nice wine, but the finish leaves way too much sweetness on the tongue. I'll see how my other bottle develops in the coming years.
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5/12/2012 - Winevestor wrote: 92 Points
My first Carlisle - impressive. Brambly fruit on the nose. Very smooth, tobacco, medium mouth feel and long finish.
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5/10/2012 - Nutty08 wrote: 93 Points
Seemed to have a little reduction? on the nose? with coffee? While the nose was odd the palate was lush, concentrated and mooth, showing lots of briary fruit along with wiled berries. Bracingly acidic at first, settled down with a few hours air. I've never had another Zin that seemed to beg for more bottle age. Lengthy finish with mocha, spice, and red fruits. Great zin, needs a few years to pull together, though very nice with a few hours air.
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5/5/2012 - DavidDay wrote: 95 Points
Near perfect zinfandel
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4/17/2012 - RobertDwyer wrote: 88 Points
Enjoyable enough with red fruit, blackberries and vanilla supported by underlying crushed rock-like structure. On the second day the alcohol level is quite evident. Searing really. And really ripe. Never came through with a distinctive presence. It's plenty big but left me wanting something more.
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4/14/2012 - haldolugr wrote: 94 Points
Outstanding Zinfandel. Blackberry with an earthy spice to it. Deep and rich but smooth as a baby's ass! Drinks great now and has runway for years to come.
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4/2/2012 - deltacop wrote: 91 Points
Really enjoyed this. Smooth soft Zin. Loved it. Had second half on day 3 and it held up great. Enjoy!!
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3/11/2012 - River Rat wrote:
Now this is more like it. My last bottle was a total mess but this one made up for it. Sat uncorked on the counter for 3 hours. Poured and drank like blackberry velvet with a nice bramble spice to it. Lush and rich on the palate. No discernible alcohol this go round. Finished with soft tannins and a touch oak. Man I love what Mike does with Zinfandel.
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3/3/2012 - The Vinsider wrote: 91 Points
Definitely not as good as the first bottle. Not sure why. More awkward and disjointed, and a touch one dimensional. All that said, this was still a very, very good Zin, lots of deep, rich briar fruit, some spice, and a little acid to add nerve.
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3/2/2012 - mmurry Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decanted about 2 hours. Bright cherry and raspberry on the nose, with hints of bramble underneath, and some mocha, pepper and earth at the end. Rich and soft on the palate, with nice bramble mixed with red fruit. The acidity is good and it really brings out the pepper and chocolate flavors.
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2/27/2012 - Chainthroer wrote: 93 Points
A very dark ruby color in the body; clear. Brambly aromas (blackberry and raspberry), pepper, exotic spices which include cinnamon, a little dark chocolate, some vanillin. Similar flavors, with the addition of some blueberry. Tannins are there but subdued. Succulent and rich in the mouth. A nice long brambly finish. In time, it should get a lot better as some of the rough edges rub off.
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2/26/2012 - jfkwines wrote:
Thought this was a bit shut down
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2/26/2012 - Mootsie wrote: 93 Points
The Cocoa finish is really starting to come out along with good bramble spice and a little cherry cola element.
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2/24/2012 - H.W. Crabb wrote: 92 Points
brambly black fruit and spice. Takes a while to open up. There's a certain spice component to Carlisle wines that's intriguing - more than just a cinnamon or spice box aroma. A touch earthy, if you will.
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2/15/2012 - gutt22 wrote:
15.2% alcohol. There's just something special about the way this wine shows when it's young. Dark red-purple color. Just a gorgeous bouquet of bold black fruit laced with spice. It's an intoxicating nose. In the mouth, the wine backs off a touch, with more refinement and balance than you might expect from such a grab-you-by-the-nose wine. This is just terrific and complete from start to finish. The bottle is too easy to drink, but it's worth contemplation, too. A-/A
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2/5/2012 - spee wrote: 90 Points
Infanticide. Needs time to develop. Surprising red fruit on the nose. Needed about 1 hour to open up. Plenty of acid for a zin.
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2/5/2012 - Frank Murray III wrote:
First bottle I have opened since release. Been open about 15 mins, so really a pull and pour. I am pretty sensitive to heat, especially now with the amount of low alc wines I have begun to drink more and more and I have to say at this stage of having the wine opened, I don't find the heat here that some have mentioned. I find the red fruits on the nose, the incense-like note too. Palate is medium-plus bodied, with a spicy, energetic core. Raspberry and snappy red berry with cinnamon stick and cherry hard candy, which doesn't to me come off as cloying but instead tastes focused, pure. Long finish, that does include some vanilla. This wine is still young, a bit rough and tumble, but it's stuffed with a core of potential. I'll be curious to see how it does with a couple more hours of air, as I am having it with dinner, matched with some beats and walnuts, along with an #1 ahi tuna burger......so back to the wine a full day later and a wrap up to this TN. The wine shows a more juicy profile today, a bit more relaxed in flavor, too. Not jammy or 'roided up but instead more medium in weight with the same zesty red fruited core. Classic Carlisle Vineyard expression and really quite delicious. As for an aging window, the zestiness in this wine gives it some cool edges now but in 3-4 years, I think that oughta be gone. With 3 bottles in inventory, I liked this bottle now for how it tastes, the next one I will drink in 2013, and save the final one for 2015, and likely source a couple more along the way as I just really think a lot of this vineyard and what Mike does with it.
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2/5/2012 - Nutty08 wrote: 93 Points
Decanted 2hrs. Beautiful violet color. Big flamboyant nose, currants, plum, briary fruit and spice with a floral-like subtlety and suspension. Just amazing for a young zin. Palate is intense, with beautiful pure purple fruits, impressive acidity for this degree of ripeness, and a touch of vanilla tinged oak on the back end. The '09 Carlisle Zin's continue to be impressive.
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1/31/2012 - kidsmurf2000 wrote: 90 Points
Quite enjoyable, well put together. Doesn't reach and out grab me at this stage, needs more time I think.
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1/28/2012 - AlexHop wrote: 92 Points
Lush candy, cherry, a little spice, and very round but a touch of alcohol.
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1/22/2012 - wineguy58 wrote: 91 Points
commitide infanticide. bramble berries and hints f vanilla great mouthfeel. Currently disjointed. drink after 2013. 91+
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1/21/2012 - Brsed wrote: 91 Points
I judge wines based performance when opened as opposed to what the wine might one day be, otherwise, I would have scored this higher. Tremendous depth of black fruit here, layer upon layer. However, seems slightly disjointed and a little unbalanced at this time. I will not open another for a couple of years. I only see now that the wine maker recommended 2013-2022. This makes sense to me as it seems like this wine has the stuffing to go the long haul and turn into something fantastic.
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1/21/2012 - DavidDay wrote: 95 Points
Pretty much a perfect zinfandel, briary, brambly raspberry aromas in the nose, followed by similar flavors on the palate. The fruit balances the alcohol and tanin.
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1/18/2012 - garambler wrote: 93 Points
We had this after dinner on 1/18/12. It had an absolutely gorgeous, fragrant bouquet of blueberry, mulberry, blackberry, spice and mocha aromas. The palate was rich and ripe with flavors that followed the nose.
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1/16/2012 - Mike Dildine wrote: 94 Points
A very worthy Carlise "Carlisle". Enough said.
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1/8/2012 - t_moderne wrote: 88 Points
If you don't like blueberry mochacino, no need to apply.
This was a pop and pour. Tasted and then re-corked and visited on day two.
At first, the nose shows some heat and spice. Some heat on the mid-palate too. Lots of berries and spice. Hint of bittersweet chocolate on the finish.
Day two, the heat has dissipated. there is more blueberry notes; sweet rich fruit. Touch of spice on the finish along with creamy dark chocolate. Rich full bodied wine.
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1/8/2012 - bubbachumps wrote: 94 Points
Sexy heady style for the '09 Carlisle Vineyard zin, but not over the top - well structured. A lot going on with the nose, I could smell this all night. In the mouth, rich and smooth. Tasting note from memory and did not take down detailed notes.
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1/8/2012 - River Rat wrote:
This bottle didn't live up to the expectations left by the last one. The alcohol never seemed to balance out and was always in the forefront. Even on day 2 it was just off kilter. The rest of the parts were great but the heat killed the experience for me.
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1/6/2012 - *Vine* wrote:
Popped and poured. Medium-plus purple/ruby hue, clear throughout. Expressive aromatics immediately off the pop are redolent of fresh raspberries, bramble fruits, fresh herbs, spicy incense, and toasted oak notes. With air, the spice and herbaceous elements grow more pronounced over the fruit. Medium-plus body. On the palate, flavors of well-ripened red and black fruits show as exceptionally fresh and bright due to the moderate acidity. As on the nose, the fruit is again complimented nicely with spice notes and also by a faint impression of minerals. Amazingly balanced, seamless and without a trace of heat despite 15.2% stated alcohol. The tannins are rounded and smooth on the plus close. While quite youthful, this is exceptionally showy at present but will also age nicely for 4-6+ years and should gain in complexity. Just an outstanding expression of old vine Zinfandel, easily among the best in CA...killer juice!
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1/4/2012 - mbenz wrote: 92 Points
Excellent, if young. Decanted for about 1 hour prior to consuming. Fresh fruit but nicely balanced with structure and some acidity. Unique in that regard for a Zin. A well made wine.
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12/31/2011 - The Vinsider wrote: 93 Points
This was a stellar wine. From the nose on, this Zin was lush and generous, offering layer upon layer of bumbleberry, blueberry, black cherry and chocolate, with a streak of acidity and a hint of chalk/mineral to add depth and contrast. Despite the abundant fruit, it was not hot or heavy handed in any way. My first Carlisle Zin--I can see what the fuss is about.
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12/26/2011 - OneLastSyrah Likes this wine: 93 Points
15.2% ABV. Translucent dark garnet in the glass. Aromas of sappy black fruit with some background vague backing spice (tending toward muted cinnamon). Medium full bodied on the palate with a more approachable personality than some late vintage Carlisles I have had. The palate exhibits dark fruit and mulberry components primarily. This is drinking fairly well but probably has room to improve in bottle for a couple years.
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12/26/2011 - jfkwines wrote: 92 Points
The nose is amazing. Such fruitiness and flavor on the front mouth followed by a deep Zinfandel mouthfeel and flavor that leads me to believe that there is only better things to come. Typically I drink my Carlisle's a few years in but this wine is OUTSTANDING now. You will be rewarded if you drink this in a few years but you can enjoy this right now
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12/25/2011 - silton wrote: 93 Points
Christmas Run; 12/24/2011-12/26/2011 (Around the Bay): A special Zinfandel. Too late in the night for much in the way of even mental notes, but notable in its integration of chocolate pudding and deep bramble fruit with a little pepper and spice on the side, medium weight with huge impact, nice glossy layers of flavor that float across the palate. Delicious benchmark Zin.
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12/23/2011 - cubswinws wrote: 94 Points
Couldn't wait. Just popped and poured. So lush and smooth. No hard edges. Will be difficult to keep my hands off these.
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12/15/2011 - buckeye76 Likes this wine: 93 Points
BLUEBERRIES, BLACK CHERRIES AND RASPBERRIES IN THE NOSE. CHERRIES AND RASPBERRIES IN THE FLAVOR. MEDIUM TO LONG FINISH.
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12/3/2011 - River Rat wrote:
Double decanted 4 hours before dinner. Simply delicious. Black and blue fruit for days. Great rich texture with everything in balance. Didn't follow it over the course of the decant but can only assume the hours of air did the trick. This bottle rocked! Drank alongside 2008 Turley Dragon and the Carlisle towered over it.
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11/27/2011 - MillerRoad wrote:
Drank this one way too soon, but was too excited to open a bottle. So this was a sacrifice. Needs a lot more time. Loads of fruit. Going to be a great wine.
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11/13/2011 - Mootsie wrote: 92 Points
Hour + decant. The basics are there...good bramble, a little licorice, a little cocoa, but it is so young and a little hot yet. It could be a great wine, but let them rest.
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11/11/2011 - vanpe003 wrote: 94 Points
Pop/pour. Opens up with a rich bramble character on the nose. With time in the glass, this fades a touch with a distinctly sweet floral character added to the mix. More of the same on a balanced palate. Enough acidity to keep this relatively light on its feet. Finishes with some fine tannins. Alcohol levels quite manageable and nicely disguised. Overall, bit tight for current drinking, at least on a pop/pour basis. Yet, this achieves such a nice inherent balance, both in flavors and structure that it shouts out "potential" for those with patience. I would decant bottles for current drinking for 60+ minutes. Better yet set it aside for 2 years. Will try to leave some for a Day 2 revisit. Score based on potential. This is some really nice juice that only needs some time to settle down.
Looking back at my other CT notes for Zinfandels, I was a bit surprised to see that this was tied for the highest score I've ever given to a Zin. That says it all for me. For my tastes, this is "center of the plate" and what a Zin should aspire to.
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4/17/2011 - mpricher wrote: 92 Points
Ray shared with us over dinner. This is a solid Zin from this producer, and actually had much less weight than expected. Medium bodied, but VERY full flavored and rich in texture. Could not get enough of the Black and Blue berry fruits, some dusty cocoa, and licorice. SUPERB!! Really enjoyed this wine alot.
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