Dark, opaque red in color. Dark fruited nose of blackberries and licorice. The fruit is assertive but not overbearing, blackberries, licorice, leather. Firm tannins, nice acidity, fine balance. Bit one-dimensional, but enjoyable. Finishes moderately long, echoing the palate. Very nice, but not complex. Certainly not going downhill, Could drink at this level for another 10 years, but I don't think it will develop much.
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This wine seems perfect right now. Luscious is the word that comes to mind drinking this. Fragrance of Stargazer Lilies in a deep forest (yes, an oxymoron). Deep, dark fruit, satin tannins. Perfect body/mouthfeel. Needed an hour of air to open up, but *good grief* this was magical drinking. I have one more bottle of this left...
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Pretty delicious. Still needs to have some air. Inky inky to black. Full bodied back of the tongue wine. Rich complex smooth fruit. Decent nose when the glass is empty - which isn't long. Lingering finish.
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decided to open this, as I have moved well away from these high alcohol, high fruit California wines over the last few years. Definitely a BIG wine, super dark, has almost a purple paint kind of aroma. However this held the 15.9% alcohol pretty well, and was surprisingly balanced all things considered. Was a nice change of pace, and I enjoyed it, although not a style I'd seek out.
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Still going strong but doubt any further improvement with age. It is certainly a inky, glass-staining concentrated wine. Quite chewy with gobs of dark fruit. Not overpowering, but suspect it was several years ago.
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Inky dark red-purple. Opens with terrific blueberry compote followed by dark fruits and spice notes back up by good acidity and structure. The tannins are settling in and softening up. ABV (15.9%) is well concealed. Drinking nicely now but seems like it will last many more years.
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Consumed over 3 days. Day 1 was ridiculous, wine just wasnt ready to open, shut down and austere. Dark inky, concentrated purple, opaque. Not a lifted nose by any means, alcohol, blue and black fruits. Big bold aggressive attack, coats the mouth with a layer of macerated black fruits, dark chocolate, dry and chalky, smooth through the very long lingering finish. Wine just fires on all cylinders, unapologetic and in your face, smooths out over the days and expresses dark beautiful fruits.
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Opaque purple ink. Powerful nose, black fruits, violets, dried fruit, wet stone, moss, hint of oak, barn, compost and forest floor. Med + mouthfeel and tannins, dried fruits, jam, gobs of black berries, hint of herbacious notes. Approachable and balanced. Youthful, has miles to go. Another excellent Carlisle effort.
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Wines on a Snowbound Saturday Night (Our House (2033 Brandywine St.): This bottle had been opened for a few days when I tried it. However, it still exhibits a very young profile. Concentrated sappy and dark. Cayenne pepper. Loads of black fruit. Drying tannins. Pretty straight ahead Petite Sirah with a long life ahead of it. Very enjoyable.
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An absolutely phenomenal example of Mike Officer's ability to extract the very best PS juice from the coveted Palisades site. Deep, inky black and purple fruits, with specific notes of ripe blackberry, blueberry, ollalaberry pie, muddled ripe raspberry, tar, smoke, white chocolate, and slate.
There is a captivating violet and lavender note that envelopes the core of dark berry fruit, almost as if the slightest kiss of Viognier has been added (which is not actually the case). Reminded me a bit of the 2010 Keplinger Sumo in this respect (which does in fact have Viognier), but this Carlisle was far more richly layered and complex than any Sumo I've ever had.
This Carlisle is the best PS I've had from Mike Officer since his PSs from the late 90's. This 2010 PS is totally accessible right now, with the mineral and floral notes to keep it perfectly in check. The fruit is so voluptuous that you would never know it was at 15.9% ABV.
This bottle was the richest and most complex of Mike Officer's Palisades PSs when compared to the 2007, 2008, and 2009 Palisades PS. The 2009 is a close second, but the tiers of layered fruit in this 2010 totally blew the others away.
Decanted for about an hour and consumed over another hour, the 2010 provided enjoyable drinking throughout the evening; in a great drinking window right now, and should be over the next 5+ years at minimum.
As I've mentioned in other CT notes, some of the other Carlisle PSs, especially the 2007, have started to fade a bit, so watch closely if you have some of the older vintages. Nevertheless, the 2010 didn't show any signs of losing power and depth at this stage. I will revist again over the coming year or so, as I see no need to delay gratification in consuming the remainder of my stash.
Highly recommended.
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Inky dark red-purple. Opens with terrific blueberry compote followed by dark fruits and spice notes back up by good acidity and structure. Plenty of youthful tannin up front but it is still quite approachable. Nicely put together. Drink or hold for 20 years at this point.
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Dark fruit, tar and licorice. medium acidity and body, very nice balance and great structure. tannins are very in your face still but are starting to integrate well, can be drunk now with a 2-3 hour decant, but if you wait 2-3 years it will be better. Great stuff, can't believe only 4 barrels.
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An alpha wine, purposefully chosen for contrast a few days after trying an omega, a 1990 Dujac CSD. What a fun trip, blackberry and plum ganache with some herb and oak, massive flavor but not pruney or heavy. Best out of the gate and then got a little boozy and more tannic (but drinkable) on day 2. I had 2 and drinking one young while the fruit overwhelmed the structure was a fine choice. Whether the other one goes down soon or in 10+ years remains to be seen.
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Beautiful, intense Petite, explodes in the mouth, coating all corners with luscious black berry fruit, camphor and talcum powder. I'm always amazed by the balance Mike achieves with these wines given their sheer size and density. Not surprisingly, this Pet gives layers upon layers of fruit, loaded with copious, but round and approachable tannin. Finishes long, but with a fresh acidity that never tires the palate. Consistent, reliable, and always a treat!
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My first carlisle petite sirah - how stoked was I when I discovered this on the shelf at bottle barn. Has everything that you'd suspect - big black fruits, round mouth feel, abundant structure, earthy/licorice flavors and smell. Approachable now, but likely rewards time in bottle.
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9/14/2021 - Charlie C Likes this wine: 90 Points
Dark, opaque red in color. Dark fruited nose of blackberries and licorice. The fruit is assertive but not overbearing, blackberries, licorice, leather. Firm tannins, nice acidity, fine balance. Bit one-dimensional, but enjoyable. Finishes moderately long, echoing the palate. Very nice, but not complex. Certainly not going downhill, Could drink at this level for another 10 years, but I don't think it will develop much.
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11/24/2020 - rldixon Likes this wine: 94 Points
This wine seems perfect right now. Luscious is the word that comes to mind drinking this. Fragrance of Stargazer Lilies in a deep forest (yes, an oxymoron). Deep, dark fruit, satin tannins. Perfect body/mouthfeel. Needed an hour of air to open up, but *good grief* this was magical drinking. I have one more bottle of this left...
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7/23/2020 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Pretty delicious. Still needs to have some air. Inky inky to black. Full bodied back of the tongue wine. Rich complex smooth fruit. Decent nose when the glass is empty - which isn't long. Lingering finish.
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6/5/2020 - cobbpa wrote: 91 Points
Still broad & a little rich, but some layered secondary flavors (underbrush, spice) build some interest.
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4/16/2020 - Grape_ape Likes this wine:
decided to open this, as I have moved well away from these high alcohol, high fruit California wines over the last few years. Definitely a BIG wine, super dark, has almost a purple paint kind of aroma. However this held the 15.9% alcohol pretty well, and was surprisingly balanced all things considered. Was a nice change of pace, and I enjoyed it, although not a style I'd seek out.
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1/23/2020 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Still going strong but doubt any further improvement with age. It is certainly a inky, glass-staining concentrated wine. Quite chewy with gobs of dark fruit. Not overpowering, but suspect it was several years ago.
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1/4/2020 - r4Cali Likes this wine: 94 Points
In it's drinking window. Outstanding right now, no need to wait any longer.
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12/25/2019 - ravbik wrote: 94 Points
Great place
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7/30/2019 - Matt T wrote: 91 Points
Definitely at peak or on the back side. Lush, smooth fruit.
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3/23/2019 - rdf58 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Inky dark red-purple. Opens with terrific blueberry compote followed by dark fruits and spice notes back up by good acidity and structure. The tannins are settling in and softening up. ABV (15.9%) is well concealed. Drinking nicely now but seems like it will last many more years.
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1/12/2019 - Matt T wrote: 91 Points
This is ready to go. Round and rich with a medium length finish. Very pleasant. Drink up in the next few years. This seemed slightly past peak.
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10/12/2018 - Amerique wrote: 94 Points
Rich, delicious round, soft blueberry fruit, excellent structure, ample finish
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9/5/2018 - ledocq Likes this wine:
Took an hour, but then ready -- tremendous color and very tasty. Alcohol isn't shrill, but potent.
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7/12/2018 - pakabear wrote:
Same as it was a few nights ago, really good place right now. I'd drink up over the next 3-5 years.
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7/8/2018 - pakabear Likes this wine: 93 Points
Super dark rich black fruit, licorice, cinnamon, spice box, great balance.
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8/4/2017 - Mrp2008 wrote: 92 Points
Deep in color as expected but manageable tannin and some depth which I rarely find in petite sirah. Great site and winemaker. Drink now or hold.
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2/15/2017 - JKelly05 Likes this wine:
Consumed over 3 days. Day 1 was ridiculous, wine just wasnt ready to open, shut down and austere.
Dark inky, concentrated purple, opaque.
Not a lifted nose by any means, alcohol, blue and black fruits.
Big bold aggressive attack, coats the mouth with a layer of macerated black fruits, dark chocolate, dry and chalky, smooth through the very long lingering finish. Wine just fires on all cylinders, unapologetic and in your face, smooths out over the days and expresses dark beautiful fruits.
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2/5/2017 - Geoff Likes this wine: 93 Points
Big, bold, dark fruit, plenty of tannins, long finish. Pure, well made. Just what you would expect. Very enjoyable.
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7/15/2016 - jjhsom wrote: 93 Points
Best after 3 hours decanting. Peak is probably 2020-24. Lots of sediment-put upright for 24 hours before opening.
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7/8/2016 - JKelly05 Likes this wine:
Opaque purple ink.
Powerful nose, black fruits, violets, dried fruit, wet stone, moss, hint of oak, barn, compost and forest floor.
Med + mouthfeel and tannins, dried fruits, jam, gobs of black berries, hint of herbacious notes. Approachable and balanced. Youthful, has miles to go.
Another excellent Carlisle effort.
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1/23/2016 - jrobs7777 wrote:
Wines on a Snowbound Saturday Night (Our House (2033 Brandywine St.): This bottle had been opened for a few days when I tried it. However, it still exhibits a very young profile. Concentrated sappy and dark. Cayenne pepper. Loads of black fruit. Drying tannins. Pretty straight ahead Petite Sirah with a long life ahead of it. Very enjoyable.
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12/16/2015 - csimm wrote: 96 Points
An absolutely phenomenal example of Mike Officer's ability to extract the very best PS juice from the coveted Palisades site. Deep, inky black and purple fruits, with specific notes of ripe blackberry, blueberry, ollalaberry pie, muddled ripe raspberry, tar, smoke, white chocolate, and slate.
There is a captivating violet and lavender note that envelopes the core of dark berry fruit, almost as if the slightest kiss of Viognier has been added (which is not actually the case). Reminded me a bit of the 2010 Keplinger Sumo in this respect (which does in fact have Viognier), but this Carlisle was far more richly layered and complex than any Sumo I've ever had.
This Carlisle is the best PS I've had from Mike Officer since his PSs from the late 90's. This 2010 PS is totally accessible right now, with the mineral and floral notes to keep it perfectly in check. The fruit is so voluptuous that you would never know it was at 15.9% ABV.
This bottle was the richest and most complex of Mike Officer's Palisades PSs when compared to the 2007, 2008, and 2009 Palisades PS. The 2009 is a close second, but the tiers of layered fruit in this 2010 totally blew the others away.
Decanted for about an hour and consumed over another hour, the 2010 provided enjoyable drinking throughout the evening; in a great drinking window right now, and should be over the next 5+ years at minimum.
As I've mentioned in other CT notes, some of the other Carlisle PSs, especially the 2007, have started to fade a bit, so watch closely if you have some of the older vintages. Nevertheless, the 2010 didn't show any signs of losing power and depth at this stage. I will revist again over the coming year or so, as I see no need to delay gratification in consuming the remainder of my stash.
Highly recommended.
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7/5/2015 - rdf58 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Inky dark red-purple. Opens with terrific blueberry compote followed by dark fruits and spice notes back up by good acidity and structure. Plenty of youthful tannin up front but it is still quite approachable. Nicely put together. Drink or hold for 20 years at this point.
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4/18/2014 - pakabear Likes this wine: 93 Points
Dark fruit, tar and licorice. medium acidity and body, very nice balance and great structure. tannins are very in your face still but are starting to integrate well, can be drunk now with a 2-3 hour decant, but if you wait 2-3 years it will be better. Great stuff, can't believe only 4 barrels.
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4/9/2014 - silton Likes this wine: 92 Points
An alpha wine, purposefully chosen for contrast a few days after trying an omega, a 1990 Dujac CSD. What a fun trip, blackberry and plum ganache with some herb and oak, massive flavor but not pruney or heavy. Best out of the gate and then got a little boozy and more tannic (but drinkable) on day 2. I had 2 and drinking one young while the fruit overwhelmed the structure was a fine choice. Whether the other one goes down soon or in 10+ years remains to be seen.
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4/7/2014 - DavidDay Likes this wine: 94 Points
Big ripe blackberries, pepper, lush wine, tannins held in check by massive fruit.
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7/7/2013 - Jody Smith Likes this wine:
Beautiful, intense Petite, explodes in the mouth, coating all corners with luscious black berry fruit, camphor and talcum powder. I'm always amazed by the balance Mike achieves with these wines given their sheer size and density. Not surprisingly, this Pet gives layers upon layers of fruit, loaded with copious, but round and approachable tannin. Finishes long, but with a fresh acidity that never tires the palate. Consistent, reliable, and always a treat!
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4/8/2013 - Mike Dildine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Excellent!
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2/21/2013 - rwalker82 wrote: 93 Points
My first carlisle petite sirah - how stoked was I when I discovered this on the shelf at bottle barn. Has everything that you'd suspect - big black fruits, round mouth feel, abundant structure, earthy/licorice flavors and smell. Approachable now, but likely rewards time in bottle.
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