Started slow - tart red fruit, short finish. With a couple hours of air, it really opened up, showing a darker fruit profile, a long silky finish. Just lovely.
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Wow, beautiful wine. Last bottle was the best. Layers of red fruit that are perfectly ripe, but not jammy. A little bit of oak spice and herbs on the back end, it has a very silky (not watery) texture and long finish. Hard to believe a Zin is this fresh at 9 years old. Seems like it could hold for awhile under good conditions, but certainly is in the prime drinking window.
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Boom! This is the real deal! Zippy zinberry perfume with a hint of woodsmoke/toast, great palate with full body, refreshing acidity for perfect balance, long, lingering finish that seems to almost have a bit of rs - which I’m sure the wine doesnt have, it’s just that rich. This hit everything I wanted and then some! Closer to 94 than 92. Even Better than I remembered. Great, great Zin!
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Opened, poured and let sit about 45 min. Right after opening, maybe some faint zin notes in the nose, but those were gone after the 45 min. Also gone was much of a resemblance to a spicy zin. This is now more Bordeaux-like, with a fairly soft mouthfeel, and no particular zin character. Based on the other more recent tasting notes, maybe this is just bottle variation at 8 years old. I think this was my last 2013 and that's OK.
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Decanted one hour. Modest black raspberries, some kirsch and earthy notes on the nose. Powerful, sweet black raspberry, spices, licorice, smoke and minerals on the complex palate. Rich, long sweet dark fruit finish with a bit of minerals and just enough tannin/acid to provide balance. A most excellent Zin!! While seemingly at peak, well stored bottles should have several more years of delicious drinking.
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This wine has it all! Wonderful express of fruit, garrigue and bright spice notes. The aromatics are intellectual and delightful thanks to the eleven white grape varietals in this true field blend. Great juice.
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After a two hour decant. Aromas of sweet black fruit & sweet earth with a subtle background of oak. On the palate, full bodied black fruit, blackberry/boysenberry, ripe raspberry, earth & bramble, brown sugar, well integrated oak with medium acidity & medium silky tannins. The finish is long to kirsch & pepper and a very pleasant aftertaste of tea leaves. This is the third Carlisle wine I’ve tasted, and I would rate them as my favourite California winery.
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I agree with Rustyrudy’s description of the Italian connection. Took a single glass via Coravin to enjoy with grilled pork chops tonight. Delicious wine which I will nurse over several meals since this is my last bottle of 2013.
Sadly my supply of Carlisle has dried up since COVID, so I have to take it slow with my remaining bottles.
Updated May 18: I pulled the cork and enjoyed the last of this bottle with steak dinner last night, with a second tasting a couple of nights ago. It’s great to be able to spread a bottle over several tastings using the Coravin dispenser. This was a great wine that I wish I had more of, but it’s time to move on I guess.
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Classic Russian River Zin. Loamy purple fruit and some pomegranate notes. This was in very nice shape and rewarded the bottle aging. In a great spot to enjoy now.
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Day 2 Apres-ski. Bramble red berry fruit / black raspberries / Linzer Torte / blackberry / black cherry / raspberry / Marion berry. Smells better than most things taste, not clumsy or simple, just a light umami touch making the fruit concentration shimmer in its graceful ripeness. Another Zinfandel masterpiece from Carlisle.
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Vanilla and intense blackberry on the nose. Black fruit, medium/high juicy acidity, full bodied. Saline and a touch of chalky tannin to finish. Decanted, but continued to improve over a few hours. I would say drink now, but given then some air. Probably my favorite Carlisle made wine.
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Like several 2013 zins I’ve had, the acidity stands out just a bit too much in this wine. Because of that, it was best with food...and just a little too tart on its own.
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Almost smells Italian, nose of tobacco, tea and a hint of pepper. Black and red fruits, ready to drink, moderately acidic, some herbs and spice. Finishes with tart raspberries and strawberries.
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Deep ruby in colour with slightly restrained aromas of stewed black fruit, oak & earth. Bold slightly jammy flavours of black fruit, blackberry, black cherry, raisin, brown sugar/caramel, oak/earth, black pepper with medium lively acidity & medium soft, well integrated tannins. Finish is long, & this wine, even though 15.3% ABV, is balanced, smooth & lovely. Still some cellar time but close to peak. Drink this soon!
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We are serious Carlisle fans, but were flummoxed with this wine. Had a porty/pruniness (that I have grown tired with a la Turley), even after a one hour decant. Wasn't until 2+ hours (or the 15.3% ABV :) ) that the real Zin character overcame the ripeness. I don't know what to think - whether these should be drunk younger, or decanted longer... Anyhow, still a lovely Zin once it settles out. (and yes, these had pristine storage)
Superbly smooth black and red fruits, earthy and savory, less of the youthful mulberry now at this stage. Not a bright and brambly Zinfandel, rather lush, cool, and saturated. Drink.
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Very aromatic, deep red fruit, white pepper, minerals, graphite and tar.
In the mouth, the wine shows layers of red and black fruit along with some blueberry. Perfectly ripe with just the right acidity. Earth, spice, and lots of delicious red fruit lingers long and clean on the finish. Better than last bottle.
Ready now, will hold for a few more years easily.
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PnP. Nose still has some blackberry but it is dominated by bright red fruit. On the palate, it is a mix of red and black raspberry with a lot of depth but not a lot of layering. Very smooth with a long finish.
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Crimson in color. 15.3% ABV. Heady nose of red and black fruits, anise and earth. Medium body with medium acidity. Well balanced. Black cherry, boysenberry, blood orange and earth on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Slightly atypical for Calisle with less acidity and darker fruits but compelling in it's own right. Best over the next year or so.
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The magic of the ancient field blend is still present. Layers upon layers of complexity. The Zinfandel based wine is accompanied by a plethora of grape characteristics. This wine has the “X” that I chase. Mike Officer’s silky touch is front and center here. Great juice.
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Pretty nose of red fruits and floral notes. Ripe, lovely fruit on the palate, raspberries, blackberries, sharp spice. Firm tannins, great acidity and balance. Finishes long with bramble fruits (and some drying tannins). Overall: Yummy, we drank off the bottle with no problem. Give it 2 to 3 years more to peak.
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Such precision. The texture and focus are great here. A special Zin. The Carlisle '13s had structure that benefited from a bit of age, and this Carlisle Vineyard was showing no signs of slowing down. Nose is engaging zinberry fruit, magenta/purple coloring. Bottle drank well over the course of the evening. Great now, prob 1-2 years further at this peak.
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Intoxicating nose of sweet ripe fruit-raspberry, strawberry, red cherry- along with pungent floral and minerals. I could sniff this for hours.
Elegant and medium bodied in the mouth, it presents ripe but not cloying black raspberry and red cherry along with emerging layers of pomegranate and loganberry mid-palette. Long polished finish of more layered fruit and subtle pepper spice along with sweet baking spices.
Good stuff, like entering prime drinking window, will hold for at least 5 more years and beyond the 2023 recommendation from the Carlisle drink ability chart.
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Wow! Does it get better than this? Blackberries, black pepper, safe, vanilla, blood orange, and violets. It’s probably at peak now. Drink over the next year.
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Decanted 45min. Nose of cedar, tobacco (reminding me of a rioja). Palate of vanilla, red berries, earth, medium acidity, round, very balanced. Excellent.
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This is a fantastic bottle. Ruby garnet in color, this gives a great zinfandel experience. Perfectly in balance and does not have any of the "hotness" which plagues other zins. Predominatly red fruits. Long finish. Drinking excellent right now.
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Full garnet color. Wild black fruit, root spice and cedar/mocha aromatics. Richly textured ripeness on the attack with broad secondary spice depth. Keeps its ripeness in check with medium acidity, and has an impressively round, full and easy structure. Good depth and length throughout.
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Probably shouldn't have taken this to a Thanksgiving dinner. Only tasted one small glass before it was gone but I remember that being smooth and deep black fruit with some nice herbal tones. But too much food competing. I am guessing it has peaked.
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Give this some air or one pass through the Vinturi. Smooth with dark fruit and most enjoyable. But here's the rub. As with all Carlisle Zins I've had to date (nine over the years...I bought a lot prior to understanding his style) this is not what I look for in a Zin. I prefer the uber-peppery and spicey style...a style that appears to have gone out of fashion...so I get that it's just me. There's no doubt Mike's Zins are superb, just know what to expect.
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At the Hop Monk in Sonoma with family. Pnp. Reddish purple in color. Lavender, floral notes on the nose. Black raspberries and perhaps blueberries in the mouth along with a bit of anise. Full bodied, this now tastes more northern Rhone=like than zi. Very elegant. This is delicious now,but should still drink nicely for awhile.
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Just OK for me. Varietally correct. Shut down perhaps? Expecting bigger bolder style but was relatively light on its feet. Mostly red fruit, bramble berry, clove, black tea, green leaf, and decidedly dry finish. Med weight and shorter length. Didn’t seem nearly as strong compared with 2012 Hunnicut earlier in the eve.
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I think this wine might have been mislabeled . It tasted like a really nice Carlisle Syrah, smoke, bacon, spice the 1st day. 2nd day it has mellowed a little and tastes a little more like a zin, but I'm still going to go with Syrah. Good thing that I love Carlisle Syrahs
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My favorite of all the Carlisle Zins year-over-year. This is in a pretty good place right now; just a slight bit of heat on the nose and the palate but not obtrusive; wonderful perfume of dark red and black berries, baking spiced and sweet blackberry jam; palate very much the same with the typical Carlisle Zin bramble; sweet tannins; consumed over two days and consistent throughout; really a great structured wine that's really enjoyable right now but should still be solid after several more years.
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certainly not one of my best Carlisle's, maybe getting toward the end of it's drinking window. Nice spice and acidity, but I was probably generous in my rating since it was a Carlisle.
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Brown sugar and always a more reserved profile compared to some of the other offerings. Went very well with BBQ ribs. Consistent with previous vintages.
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A delicious nose of raspberries. You could just sniff it for the entire evening. The fruit on the palate is vibrant, lovely blackberry, raspberry fruit, bit of cracked black pepper and a hint of eucalyptus. Round firm tannins that could soften with a few more years in bottle. Great acidity and brilliant balance. Long dark fruited, spicy finish. This is what zin should taste like. It has years ahead of it.
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Vanilla and intense blackberry on the nose. Black fruit, medium/high juicy acidity, full bodied. Saline and a touch of chalky tannin to finish. Decanted, but it was open immediately.
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Aerated with a Vinturi and decanted for 30 minutes. Aromas of black raspberry, licorice, coffee, spice and bramble. Red and black fruit, bramble, blood orange, spice and coffee on the palate. Good persistence. Medium bodied. Served with baked four cheese pasta.
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Popped and Poured 1st pour. Hour+ later, second pour, slightly larger.
Deep color throughout. Wine appeared in excellent condition.
Captivating assortment of aromas as others have described; mouth filling body; long, rewarding finish. Still tastes youthful, and could be stored for years, but is really just delicious now.
Have one more, which will probably last through the Fall.
Fan of the producer, and this bottle is one of the reasons.
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Carlisle Zinfandel 2013, Sonoma County Appearance: nice fruity ruby quite clear colour Nose: subtle nise of black currant and some cassis Palate: very fruity, balanced, some pepper and a tad of rosemary (?) Descent: medium length, now the fruit is coming through strongly, tart cherries, blackberries and sweet black currants. Very easy drinking with good depth. A very nice Zin indeed! Overall: hardly any decanting needed here, just a classic hour. A very fun wine, can be drunk just for fun on a winter day with some salty sticks. Very good quality of manufacture for sure. Rating: 93/100 #winelover #wine #redwine #winetasting #winelover #winery #winetime #instawine #winecountry #winelovers #winetasting #wineaddict #winetime #mywinemoment #winesofinstagram #winemaker #winemaking #wineoftheday #winestagram #carlislevineyard #carlislezinfandel2013 #carlislevineyards
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Can't say with certainty that the bottle was flawed...but can say with certainty that this was the first disappointing bottle of Carlisle I have ever had...overly ripe bordering on pruney...felt very light in the mouth with no backbone and a weak finish...perhaps I waited too long...?
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Opened for football party (Rams-Bears). No detailed notes but this got drained before anything else. People seemed to enjoy it, and I found it to be pretty well balanced for a zin.
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Seamless and smooth with mulberry, assorted brambles and spice. Nose a bit reticent. Just lacking the excitement and weight I love from this bottling. Usually drink these with a bit more age on them (06-09s drinking marvelously). Verdict - too young.
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Great zin, terrific QPR. Paired with Santa Fe chili. Muted nose but wonderful dark jammy fruits. Opened bottle an hour before we began drinking, blew off the heat and pulled together nicely.
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Red and dark fruit dance with minerality and underbrush. The air is filled with aromas of spring flowers. The wine has wonderful texture and depth. Layers upon layers of goodness. Great juice!
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This has calmed down quite a bit in the 2yrs since my last bottle. Still shows a lot of lift and acidity, giving it a narrow feeling on the palate. Nice bramble and typical zin character with touch of spice.
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Always a great wine, there seems to have been significant progression since prior tastings in 2016 and 2017. Lots of complexity with focused acidity, red raspberry and tart cherry fruit and a distinctive spice note. Seems a little weightier too. Several years of life left in this one.
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Forgot to take detailed notes. Basically, this was a typical Carlisle, which is to say it was really good. Agree with the drinking window here: it's good now but can certainly go for a few more years.
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Just a touch above the rest of the pack. Soft fruit with smooth and long finish. Have been on a Carlisle kick recently drinking the Rossi, Monte Rosso and the Montifi. All great but this was the best of the lot.
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Pop and pour. Aromas of boysenberry, raspberry, cherry, violets and cracked pepper. Flavors of cherry, boysenberry, raspberry and a hint of blueberry. Ends with a blueberry and cherry infused finish of 35 seconds. This is just a nice Zinfandel and drinking really great now. Not a hard edge in sight!
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At home on the deck. Pop and pour. Opened up quickly. Some heat and dark fruit on the nose. Black raspberry and briar on the palate. A touch of smoke and spice on the long finish. Not overly complex, but nice balance and acidity. Very enjoyable. Night four. Dashed out on a business trip and forgot to put this in the refrigerator. Just a rubber stopper... I thought this would be toast. The heat has dissipated and bigger, plush dark fruits on the nose. I am impressed. Still getting full rich black raspberry, maybe black cherry and briar but silky smooth and soft with a long finish. So full you can almost taste it as it approaches your mouth. This has a balance that makes me think of a tuning fork. Perfect. I think this speaks to the way this wine is made, natural without manipulation. Cheers, Mike and team!
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Elegant and refined for a Zinfandel. Not overtly fruity as many Zins are, and this adds to the refinement. It still has that Zin spice on the finish, with integrated tannin. One of Carlisle’s best, but different from most of its bottling as it tones down the Zinfandel note.
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Opened this about an hour ago, let it sit in the glass. It will be finished off with dinner, along with other massive BYOB flight so this will be my only comment on the wine. I don't find the alcohol like I did in the aromatics of the previous bottle. And this is not chilled in my glass so if there was booze here, it should stick out. Juicy, jammy dark raspberry. Getting some herbs in the palate of the wine too, and a spicy thing in the finish. There is some structure here and also I do like fruit more than age, so I am cool saying this can be enjoyed now or it can be aged longer.
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Still the most elegant & refined of Carlisle's zins, it has a high-toned nose of raspberry and blackberry with some earthy notes. Palate confirms, with great balance, finesse even (in a zinfandel!) and a finish that goes on and on. Depth without weight. Very fine, and no hurry for these.
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Loads of black cherry, strawberry, raspberry, black pepper, baking spices, great balance and silky mouthfeel. Love it right now and should be good over the next 3-4 years.
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While a nice rich field blend, I felt this bottle lacked some clarity and zip. Carlisle is always excellent for me, and this is on the lower end of their very high bar.
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TRB Night (Norcross, GA): Maroon core with brighter lighter rim; intense nose of tart raspberry, cherry, is this Grenache?, candied floral reminiscent of young Italian, new oak, some briar, almost raisin but somehow not overripe in character; lighter mouthfeel when compared to the earlier Cabs, substantial and CdP-like, intense old vine, lovely, really enjoy drinkability; oh yeah- this was on day 2 of being opened; delicious.
A terifific field blend that is drinking great now. Why wait. The petite adds a great backbone that will allow this wine to drink great for at least 5 years maybe 10 years. We lived it.
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A true pleasure to drink, rich dark red fruits with superb balance and elegance, wonderful aromatics, complex, hard to imagine a better old vine field blend Zin!
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Aerated with a Vinturi and decanted for 30 minuets. Nose of black and red berries, coffee and spice. Black and red berries, bramble and plush tannins on the palate. Leads to a long finish. Well balanced. Medium to full bodied. Served with baked lasagna.
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Black cherry, blackberry, hints of blue berry, black pepper, spice and oak. Similar to the 2012. Has some viscosity. Good structure. A longish finish. Some of the grapes here, interlaced with the Zin grapes, alter what I personally look for in Zinfandel. But, that should not deter from the scoring, as this is a well made wine.
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Dark ruby to purple in the glass. Black and red dark fruits, vanilla, toast, hint of spicy pepper. Layered, integrated and full. Really enjoyed this, drinking quite well now.
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Quick PnP tasting at the office to end the week. Exuberant blue and red fruit, liqueur without the heat ("only" 15.3%), licorice, ginger snap, cinnamon, clay. Still loads of tannins to shed; very briary. Delicious and totally primary. 92-93 now, but most likely 93-95 in a couple years.
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Decanted for two hours and still has lots of legs. Opaque. Nose average. Very full bodied zesty black and purple fruit with a powerful midtongue slightly acidic finish. Yet another wonderful bottle from Mike. Time to erect a statue for him.
The is nearly great, but a short after taste and a so-so mouthfeel limit the overall expression. Terrific initial taste of red and dark red fruit and spice.
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This opened up with powerful spicy fruit and silky tannins, yet seemed all in balance. I wouldn't call this reserved per se, just involving more dimensions than a typical Carlisle zin.
Me - 93, Wife - 92
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Drank this bottle with Karen, whose note precedes mine. Agree with her note relative to red fruit, which she calls unripe, whereas I differ a bit and saw it more of some astringency from the tannin, along with the acidity that both provide tension in the finish. I too found some alcohol in the aromatic, a bit distracting but it wafts in and out of the other flavors and aromas of the wine. I do think the wine is a little rough right now and can use some extra time to settle, which Karen also noted.
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Aerated and decanted one hour. For my palate, this wine is too young for me. Fresh un-ripe cherry and alcohol showing through. I'll wait 2-3 years before I drink the next one. I think a bit of time in the cellar will really allow this to come together and show as a really good vintage.
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Needs no description beyond what Loren and TomLee have said recently. Only thing to add is a personal note about how much I appreciate and respect Mike, Jay, and Kendall for letting us drink these life-affirming wines and still maintain a savings account.
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Stunning wine at a young age. Dark fruit on the palate, juicy and delightful flavors. Mike is not a secret anymore, I'd put his zins at or near the top IMO. Would like to see how this will change over time, however, it is beautiful now without doubt. A++
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A few for the SuperBowl (Carlisle, Montevetrano, Cockburn, Licht) (Vince & Lisa's): Just a killer bottle. I watched a lot of the others skip this Zin to drink average Cab. I said nothing. Pop and pour, this was singing. Purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, some bramble, licorice and spice. Lush, juicy texture. Deep with complexity. Young and delicious. Smooth. Long finish. Every sip made me want another one. I went back for a second glass and the bottle is empty. I guess the secret is out. World class and under $50. I need to buy more of these.
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This was interesting because the previous night I had the Bedrock version from the same vineyard and vintage. Less of the massive wall of cherry, more black cherry, pepper on the nose, great balance, and a full mouthfeel. This is really solid as usual from Mike.
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Tasted as part of our tasting groups annual "Killer Reds" tasting. Was very good (tart cherries noticeably) but not outstanding in a flight of 8 very very good wines.
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Lighter in color and texture than some previous editions. Opens up nicely with a bit of air, revealing abundant strawberry and other red fruit flavors. Supple and easy drinking.
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90 minute decant. Wonderfully spicy with big black pepper notes and a little bit of menthol. Blue and black savory fruits. You can definitely taste the Petite Sirah and the Alicante Bouchet. Great complexity. Very satisfying. Drink or hold. Served slightly cool. 93+
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Perfumed nose of cherry, raspberry, mushroom earth, blackberry and some red licorice. In the mouth, cherry flavors carry through with a silky texture and some warmth. Delicious!
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Let the wife roam in the cellar and this is what she came up with. Big black and blue fruited nose, with plenty of spice. A little high toned on the palate, with a hint of heat on the finish. Strong acidity keeps this fresh but also a bit narrow and linear. Moderate finish. Probably needs a year or 2 to settle down.
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Excellent wine with a long life ahead. Took a good two hours of decanting to really start strutting but after that dark brambly fruit, tobacco and spice inundated the palate with a lengthy finish that keep the fruit going.
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Dark purple in color, this wine revealed intense and focused aromas of bramble, black cherry, black licorice and tobacco leaf on the nose. The mouth feel is full-bodied with subtly sweet tannins that brought out elements of blackberry, blackcurrant and black pepper. The finish was 45+ seconds long of sweet fruit, brisk acidity and tobacco hints that held the 15.3% abv well in check and barely noticeable.
Purchased for $50US, this is a gorgeous offering that is just beginning to hit its stride. There is a ton of complexity to this wine that makes each taste, each glass thoroughly enjoyable.
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It looks like Mike went to the oak monster dark side on this one, but somehow he still kept a piece of the force in the final product. Beautiful red fruit, wonderful acids and really good finish. Is this the future of winning Sonoma zins? If so I'm a believer. Feels like it can go for at least another five plus years. Will post again on day two to see how it develops with air time.
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On the nose, all things black: berry, pepper, cherry. Touch of smoke. On the palate: juicy red and black fruit, medium/high brightness, smooth tannins. Salinity and a cooing mint finish.
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Previous reviewer nailed this. Black cherry and licorice, pepper. Great flavor profile, but not for the faint of heart. Require hearty food. Quite tasty. Drink now-2020.
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Nose of dark black cherry, licorice, white pepper and vanilla. Flavors follow suit but are more muted as the acidity seems swallowed up by the fruit at this time. Finish is long with black fruits dominating but is also slightly muted. Needs time to open up. On November shipment so may still be a little bottle shocked.
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Darker in profile and more brooding than Papera Ranch 2013 at this point. This is probably the best of the two, also in the long run. This is erring more on the Blackberry/Blackberry Liqueured side of things and also quite spicy. Structured but not overtly so, a vintage with a great surplus of the good stuff. Should age effortlessly for a decade or more. Great energy and nerve, however that is possible in a wine of these dimensions (big body, high alcohol)
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Purple in color. 15.3% ABV. From a Russian River Valley vineyard planted in 1927. 87% Zinfandel and 13% Mixed Black and White Varieties. A total of 40 different grapes. How cool is that? Somewhat brooding nose of blue and black fruits, earth and licorice. Full bodied with mouth watering acidity. Plush and jammy on the palate. Flavors of blackberry, black cherry and cocoa. Exceptionally long finish. Drink over the next 4-6 years.
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Charred pork, blackberry, red cherry, roasted walnut, Hi-C Punch, and plumeria. A stabbing middle palate, with a balanced, woodsy, long finish; tannin of fiber. Designed for the cellar and another reason why 2013 is the year of the Carlisle! Drink 2017 - 2025.
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Supposedly quite old vine Zinfandel Nose - brambleberry, cherry, oak Mouth - rich full bodied touch spicy dried cherry, spice cake, nice complex finish. Paying a visit to a varietal I neglect. Good not great.
Great, easy to drink. Dark chocolate and cherry on the nose -- very nice. Strawberry, red fruits, a slight spice....all well rounded with a little acid kick. Yeah it's young but agree with the last post....delicious.
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Picked this up today and couldn't wait. Young but drinking fantastic right out the gate. Flavor explodes with great balance. Time… this doesn't need no stinkin time.
Family Winemakers 25th Anniversary Tasting, I remember their first at the Hyatt Embarcadero. Nose of black cherry fruit, dusty earth, licorice, and subdued briar, more of the same on the palate, big brooding body, touch of heat, needs 4 years to peak, long, long finish.
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My first bottle of Carlisle and it lived up to expectations and reputation. An absolutely wonderful Zinfandel. Red ruby color, nose of blackberry and Cherry. Full bodied, yet soft and refined. Well balanced, soft, supple and opulent.
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Book club - MO (Playground - Santa Ana, CA): Blind. Guessed zin. Tannins are very silky, seems totally resolved. There's a cherry core here versus the red berry of Papera. Lighter, delicate zin.
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Tasted double blind alongside the 2013 Carlisle Zinfandel Papera Vineyard. This was double decanted 24 hours in advance, then served from the bottle.
Restrained red and black cherry fruit, with some notable cherry skin and pit characteristics. This finished with a chalky, minerally feel, plus a hint of anise. There is scarcely any perception of oak, even at this very young age, nor any heat. I didn't know what to guess, I thought perhaps some other variety from Carlisle's porfolio that wasn't zin or syrah.
This is a tightly coiled young wine, that improved in the glass, and should really hit its stride starting in a couple of years. Terrific potential, and a good choice for someone looking for a redder, more restrained take on California zin blends. Mike's wines show interesting vintage variation, and my sense is that 2013 is going to be a good one for his zins, where I think the 2012s may be a little larger than I'm preferring these days. And 2011 was my favorite zin vintage.
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Opened yesterday, then splash decanted today so all in, this has seen about a day of slox ox plus the splash. For comparison purposes and with some good fortune too, I am tasting this next to the 2013 Carlisle Papera zin, which I treated the exact same way as this wine. Poured at room temp, which is 70 degrees. For me, that means no chill and no aid from it that could suppress an alc signature. Gotta say, like the Papera, there is no booze in the aromatic here, which is a big plus for me. Where the Papera is more delicate, smoother and sexy, this Carlisle shows more brawn, more oomph. There is simply better delineation right now in the Papera, less with this Carlisle. Deeper flavors here, more licorice and darker notes whereas the Papera was more berry-like, razzy in tone. There is acidity here, and in fact, it reminds me a lot of fresh blackberry, the tones I get when I bit into fruit like these. So, if you get my gist, the Papera redder in tone, the Carlisle blue and black. And, a bit of new oak seasons the aromatic in the end of the glass, seemingly more at play in the Carlisle too, but in no way an oaky imprint. Finally, the Carlisle is tighter in the finish at this stage, yet both saw the same ox and splash treatment. Thus, taking a leap, I'd say the Carlisle needs more time to unwrap and perhaps will last longer, just doesn't drink so immediately good as the Papera. Always love the Carlisle depth and fruit. Lovely.....PS--this picked up a bit more weight when I tried it finally at dinner.
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11/16/2023 - Jahull03 wrote:
In a great spot right now. Has the roundness and punch I expect, with beautiful spice, mellowed only a touch from its early years.
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6/22/2023 - Patrick101 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Still drinking well!
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6/9/2023 - Cow Town Likes this wine: 93 Points
Started slow - tart red fruit, short finish. With a couple hours of air, it really opened up, showing a darker fruit profile, a long silky finish. Just lovely.
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9/9/2022 - SchlaepDog Likes this wine: 95 Points
Wow, beautiful wine. Last bottle was the best. Layers of red fruit that are perfectly ripe, but not jammy. A little bit of oak spice and herbs on the back end, it has a very silky (not watery) texture and long finish. Hard to believe a Zin is this fresh at 9 years old. Seems like it could hold for awhile under good conditions, but certainly is in the prime drinking window.
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7/31/2022 - SineQuaNon Likes this wine: 93 Points
Boom! This is the real deal! Zippy zinberry perfume with a hint of woodsmoke/toast, great palate with full body, refreshing acidity for perfect balance, long, lingering finish that seems to almost have a bit of rs - which I’m sure the wine doesnt have, it’s just that rich. This hit everything I wanted and then some! Closer to 94 than 92. Even Better than I remembered. Great, great Zin!
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1/19/2022 - stoneb Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very good but should be better in a couple of years. Hold to 2023. 2012 vintage of this wine is marvelous now.
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10/29/2021 - Quiller wrote: 87 Points
Opened, poured and let sit about 45 min. Right after opening, maybe some faint zin notes in the nose, but those were gone after the 45 min. Also gone was much of a resemblance to a spicy zin. This is now more Bordeaux-like, with a fairly soft mouthfeel, and no particular zin character. Based on the other more recent tasting notes, maybe this is just bottle variation at 8 years old. I think this was my last 2013 and that's OK.
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10/17/2021 - BHRH Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted one hour. Modest black raspberries, some kirsch and earthy notes on the nose. Powerful, sweet black raspberry, spices, licorice, smoke and minerals on the complex palate. Rich, long sweet dark fruit finish with a bit of minerals and just enough tannin/acid to provide balance. A most excellent Zin!! While seemingly at peak, well stored bottles should have several more years of delicious drinking.
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9/6/2021 - Glencoewine Likes this wine: 93 Points
In a great spot. Opened nicely after 45 min.
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9/4/2021 - Oldmanzin Likes this wine: 94 Points
This wine has it all! Wonderful express of fruit, garrigue and bright spice notes. The aromatics are intellectual and delightful thanks to the eleven white grape varietals in this true field blend. Great juice.
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7/31/2021 - CDT Likes this wine: 93 Points
After a two hour decant. Aromas of sweet black fruit & sweet earth with a subtle background of oak.
On the palate, full bodied black fruit, blackberry/boysenberry, ripe raspberry, earth & bramble, brown sugar, well integrated oak with medium acidity & medium silky tannins. The finish is long to kirsch & pepper and a very pleasant aftertaste of tea leaves.
This is the third Carlisle wine I’ve tasted, and I would rate them as my favourite California winery.
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5/13/2021 - Wine Poor Likes this wine: 92 Points
I agree with Rustyrudy’s description of the Italian connection.
Took a single glass via Coravin to enjoy with grilled pork chops tonight.
Delicious wine which I will nurse over several meals since this is my last bottle of 2013.
Sadly my supply of Carlisle has dried up since COVID, so I have to take it slow with my remaining bottles.
Updated May 18: I pulled the cork and enjoyed the last of this bottle with steak dinner last night, with a second tasting a couple of nights ago. It’s great to be able to spread a bottle over several tastings using the Coravin dispenser. This was a great wine that I wish I had more of, but it’s time to move on I guess.
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3/21/2021 - btock Likes this wine: 93 Points
Classic Russian River Zin. Loamy purple fruit and some pomegranate notes. This was in very nice shape and rewarded the bottle aging. In a great spot to enjoy now.
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3/14/2021 - silton Likes this wine: 94 Points
Day 2 Apres-ski. Bramble red berry fruit / black raspberries / Linzer Torte / blackberry / black cherry / raspberry / Marion berry. Smells better than most things taste, not clumsy or simple, just a light umami touch making the fruit concentration shimmer in its graceful ripeness. Another Zinfandel masterpiece from Carlisle.
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2/21/2021 - rama Likes this wine:
Vanilla and intense blackberry on the nose. Black fruit, medium/high juicy acidity, full bodied. Saline and a touch of chalky tannin to finish. Decanted, but continued to improve over a few hours. I would say drink now, but given then some air. Probably my favorite Carlisle made wine.
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1/9/2021 - rustyRudy Likes this wine: 93 Points
Very nice, little to add to previous notes, did well after being Coravined, remains balanced, red fruits, and held up well to ravioli and red sauce
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12/15/2020 - EMTAME wrote: 90 Points
Like several 2013 zins I’ve had, the acidity stands out just a bit too much in this wine. Because of that, it was best with food...and just a little too tart on its own.
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12/6/2020 - rustyRudy Likes this wine: 93 Points
Almost smells Italian, nose of tobacco, tea and a hint of pepper. Black and red fruits, ready to drink, moderately acidic, some herbs and spice. Finishes with tart raspberries and strawberries.
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11/20/2020 - CDT Likes this wine: 93 Points
Deep ruby in colour with slightly restrained aromas of stewed black fruit, oak & earth. Bold slightly jammy flavours of black fruit, blackberry, black cherry, raisin, brown sugar/caramel, oak/earth, black pepper with medium lively acidity & medium soft, well integrated tannins. Finish is long, & this wine, even though 15.3% ABV, is balanced, smooth & lovely. Still some cellar time but close to peak. Drink this soon!
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11/14/2020 - BHRH Likes this wine: 91 Points
We are serious Carlisle fans, but were flummoxed with this wine. Had a porty/pruniness (that I have grown tired with a la Turley), even after a one hour decant. Wasn't until 2+ hours (or the 15.3% ABV :) ) that the real Zin character overcame the ripeness. I don't know what to think - whether these should be drunk younger, or decanted longer...
Anyhow, still a lovely Zin once it settles out. (and yes, these had pristine storage)
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11/1/2020 - Jackstraw212 Likes this wine: 95 Points
I’ll stick with the 95. This is incredible for my taste. Drink soon, definitely within the next year.
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10/11/2020 - wilypod Likes this wine: 92 Points
Holding nicely, earthy, forest floor, orange zest, maturing red fruits. Got livelier and lusher with air.
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10/9/2020 - kgott2 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Good on the first day, better on the 2nd day, and awesome on the 3rd.
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9/13/2020 - wilypod Likes this wine: 90 Points
Superbly smooth black and red fruits, earthy and savory, less of the youthful mulberry now at this stage. Not a bright and brambly Zinfandel, rather lush, cool, and saturated. Drink.
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9/6/2020 - Dave H. wrote: 91 Points
Delicious wine. All the fruit in tact, long cherry finish. Don’t think this is getting any better.
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8/13/2020 - SchlaepDog wrote: 93 Points
Very aromatic, deep red fruit, white pepper, minerals, graphite and tar.
In the mouth, the wine shows layers of red and black fruit along with some blueberry. Perfectly ripe with just the right acidity. Earth, spice, and lots of delicious red fruit lingers long and clean on the finish. Better than last bottle.
Ready now, will hold for a few more years easily.
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8/6/2020 - dougie Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decanted for an hour. Smoothed out over 4 hours. Last one over next 3 years sounds right.
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8/3/2020 - PSUSteve Likes this wine: 92 Points
PnP. Nose still has some blackberry but it is dominated by bright red fruit. On the palate, it is a mix of red and black raspberry with a lot of depth but not a lot of layering. Very smooth with a long finish.
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7/29/2020 - tomlee wrote: 91 Points
Crimson in color. 15.3% ABV. Heady nose of red and black fruits, anise and earth. Medium body with medium acidity. Well balanced. Black cherry, boysenberry, blood orange and earth on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Slightly atypical for Calisle with less acidity and darker fruits but compelling in it's own right. Best over the next year or so.
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7/6/2020 - Oldmanzin Likes this wine: 94 Points
The magic of the ancient field blend is still present. Layers upon layers of complexity. The Zinfandel based wine is accompanied by a plethora of grape characteristics. This wine has the “X” that I chase. Mike Officer’s silky touch is front and center here. Great juice.
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4/25/2020 - Bellissimo wrote:
Not sure about this bottle, seemed to have a gamey streak underneath it that seemed out of place. Hopefully an outlier.
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4/12/2020 - Charlie C Likes this wine: 92 Points
Pretty nose of red fruits and floral notes. Ripe, lovely fruit on the palate, raspberries, blackberries, sharp spice. Firm tannins, great acidity and balance. Finishes long with bramble fruits (and some drying tannins). Overall: Yummy, we drank off the bottle with no problem. Give it 2 to 3 years more to peak.
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4/11/2020 - btock Likes this wine: 93 Points
Such precision. The texture and focus are great here. A special Zin. The Carlisle '13s had structure that benefited from a bit of age, and this Carlisle Vineyard was showing no signs of slowing down. Nose is engaging zinberry fruit, magenta/purple coloring. Bottle drank well over the course of the evening. Great now, prob 1-2 years further at this peak.
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3/24/2020 - psiweaver Likes this wine: 94 Points
In a great spot with nice fine tannins and a well integrated amount of dark fruit with some meaty notes. Highly recommend.
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3/20/2020 - SchlaepDog Likes this wine: 94 Points
Intoxicating nose of sweet ripe fruit-raspberry, strawberry, red cherry- along with pungent floral and minerals. I could sniff this for hours.
Elegant and medium bodied in the mouth, it presents ripe but not cloying black raspberry and red cherry along with emerging layers of pomegranate and loganberry mid-palette. Long polished finish of more layered fruit and subtle pepper spice along with sweet baking spices.
Good stuff, like entering prime drinking window, will hold for at least 5 more years and beyond the 2023 recommendation from the Carlisle drink ability chart.
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3/8/2020 - Jackstraw212 wrote: 95 Points
Wow! Does it get better than this? Blackberries, black pepper, safe, vanilla, blood orange, and violets. It’s probably at peak now. Drink over the next year.
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3/7/2020 - gwkozar Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted 45min. Nose of cedar, tobacco (reminding me of a rioja). Palate of vanilla, red berries, earth, medium acidity, round, very balanced. Excellent.
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12/29/2019 - TC16 wrote: 95 Points
This is a fantastic bottle. Ruby garnet in color, this gives a great zinfandel experience. Perfectly in balance and does not have any of the "hotness" which plagues other zins. Predominatly red fruits. Long finish. Drinking excellent right now.
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12/23/2019 - MattMauldin wrote: 90 Points
Full garnet color. Wild black fruit, root spice and cedar/mocha aromatics. Richly textured ripeness on the attack with broad secondary spice depth. Keeps its ripeness in check with medium acidity, and has an impressively round, full and easy structure. Good depth and length throughout.
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11/28/2019 - spicy1 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Probably shouldn't have taken this to a Thanksgiving dinner. Only tasted one small glass before it was gone but I remember that being smooth and deep black fruit with some nice herbal tones. But too much food competing. I am guessing it has peaked.
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11/24/2019 - ozziewine Likes this wine: 91 Points
Give this some air or one pass through the Vinturi. Smooth with dark fruit and most enjoyable.
But here's the rub. As with all Carlisle Zins I've had to date (nine over the years...I bought a lot prior to understanding his style) this is not what I look for in a Zin. I prefer the uber-peppery and spicey style...a style that appears to have gone out of fashion...so I get that it's just me.
There's no doubt Mike's Zins are superb, just know what to expect.
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11/22/2019 - Night Train wrote: 93 Points
Out of about 20 wines at a party, most of them costing 2 or 3 times as much, this was my clear favorite. Seems to be at its peak.
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9/9/2019 - PSUSteve Likes this wine: 93 Points
PnP. Plush black fruit on the nose. The palate is full of black fruit with a layer of red raspberry on the mid-palate and coffee on the finish.
Still going strong on night three after VinVac. Finish was longer and more complex. Bumping up a point to 93.
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9/2/2019 - mhudes Likes this wine: 93 Points
At the Hop Monk in Sonoma with family. Pnp. Reddish purple in color. Lavender, floral notes on the nose. Black raspberries and perhaps blueberries in the mouth along with a bit of anise. Full bodied, this now tastes more northern Rhone=like than zi. Very elegant. This is delicious now,but should still drink nicely for awhile.
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7/27/2019 - oenophilemoose wrote: 93 Points
Briefly decanted but give at least 30 minutes to open. This is a stunning Zinfandel tbat is elegant and restrained with wonderful gripping tannins.
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7/18/2019 - dclaggett Likes this wine: 90 Points
Just OK for me. Varietally correct. Shut down perhaps? Expecting bigger bolder style but was relatively light on its feet. Mostly red fruit, bramble berry, clove, black tea, green leaf, and decidedly dry finish. Med weight and shorter length. Didn’t seem nearly as strong compared with 2012 Hunnicut earlier in the eve.
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7/9/2019 - jweedin Likes this wine: 93 Points
Great wine. Drink or hold. Flavorful and complex
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6/29/2019 - michigan dogs Likes this wine: 92 Points
I think this wine might have been mislabeled . It tasted like a really nice Carlisle Syrah, smoke, bacon, spice the 1st day. 2nd day it has mellowed a little and tastes a little more like a zin, but I'm still going to go with Syrah. Good thing that I love Carlisle Syrahs
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6/24/2019 - Neras Likes this wine: 93 Points
Fruity, friendly with a strong core. Still fresh and great.
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6/15/2019 - tcufletch Likes this wine: 94 Points
My favorite of all the Carlisle Zins year-over-year. This is in a pretty good place right now; just a slight bit of heat on the nose and the palate but not obtrusive; wonderful perfume of dark red and black berries, baking spiced and sweet blackberry jam; palate very much the same with the typical Carlisle Zin bramble; sweet tannins; consumed over two days and consistent throughout; really a great structured wine that's really enjoyable right now but should still be solid after several more years.
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6/9/2019 - kosdogger Likes this wine: 94 Points
In a perfect spot. Most of the baby fat gone. Great spice to this wine and lots of raspberry. Sad last bottle of this one.
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5/30/2019 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 92 Points
Last bottle and consistent with previous notes. This was drinking well, although the alcohol spiked a bit for me on the last night.
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5/6/2019 - michigan dogs Likes this wine: 90 Points
certainly not one of my best Carlisle's, maybe getting toward the end of it's drinking window. Nice spice and acidity, but I was probably generous in my rating since it was a Carlisle.
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4/28/2019 - khmark7 wrote: 90 Points
Brown sugar and always a more reserved profile compared to some of the other offerings. Went very well with BBQ ribs. Consistent with previous vintages.
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4/23/2019 - Charlie C Likes this wine: 94 Points
A delicious nose of raspberries. You could just sniff it for the entire evening. The fruit on the palate is vibrant, lovely blackberry, raspberry fruit, bit of cracked black pepper and a hint of eucalyptus. Round firm tannins that could soften with a few more years in bottle. Great acidity and brilliant balance. Long dark fruited, spicy finish. This is what zin should taste like. It has years ahead of it.
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4/14/2019 - rama Likes this wine:
Vanilla and intense blackberry on the nose. Black fruit, medium/high juicy acidity, full bodied. Saline and a touch of chalky tannin to finish. Decanted, but it was open immediately.
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3/8/2019 - hoservin wrote: 92 Points
Aerated with a Vinturi and decanted for 30 minutes. Aromas of black raspberry, licorice, coffee, spice and bramble. Red and black fruit, bramble, blood orange, spice and coffee on the palate. Good persistence. Medium bodied. Served with baked four cheese pasta.
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2/21/2019 - Oldmanzin Likes this wine: 94 Points
Same notes as last time apply. It is on cruise control now. I recommend drinking up. I can’t imagine this getting any better! Great juice!
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1/30/2019 - galaxie500 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Popped and Poured 1st pour. Hour+ later, second pour, slightly larger.
Deep color throughout. Wine appeared in excellent condition.
Captivating assortment of aromas as others have described; mouth filling body; long, rewarding finish. Still tastes youthful, and could be stored for years, but is really just delicious now.
Have one more, which will probably last through the Fall.
Fan of the producer, and this bottle is one of the reasons.
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1/11/2019 - lion@corewines.com Likes this wine: 93 Points
Carlisle Zinfandel 2013, Sonoma County
Appearance: nice fruity ruby quite clear colour
Nose: subtle nise of black currant and some cassis
Palate: very fruity, balanced, some pepper and a tad of rosemary (?)
Descent: medium length, now the fruit is coming through strongly, tart cherries, blackberries and sweet black currants. Very easy drinking with good depth. A very nice Zin indeed!
Overall: hardly any decanting needed here, just a classic hour. A very fun wine, can be drunk just for fun on a winter day with some salty sticks. Very good quality of manufacture for sure.
Rating: 93/100
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12/24/2018 - hanasowner wrote: flawed
Can't say with certainty that the bottle was flawed...but can say with certainty that this was the first disappointing bottle of Carlisle I have ever had...overly ripe bordering on pruney...felt very light in the mouth with no backbone and a weak finish...perhaps I waited too long...?
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12/16/2018 - burgbob wrote: 92 Points
Explosive nose of ripe plum fruit with mint. Follows through on the taste. Very full bodied and balanced, ready to drink now.
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12/10/2018 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 92 Points
Opened for football party (Rams-Bears). No detailed notes but this got drained before anything else. People seemed to enjoy it, and I found it to be pretty well balanced for a zin.
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12/3/2018 - Smatk Likes this wine: 90 Points
Seamless and smooth with mulberry, assorted brambles and spice. Nose a bit reticent. Just lacking the excitement and weight I love from this bottling. Usually drink these with a bit more age on them (06-09s drinking marvelously). Verdict - too young.
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11/24/2018 - RJWallis Likes this wine: 94 Points
Great zin, terrific QPR. Paired with Santa Fe chili. Muted nose but wonderful dark jammy fruits. Opened bottle an hour before we began drinking, blew off the heat and pulled together nicely.
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10/28/2018 - bound4er wrote: 85 Points
Really not digging this wine tonight - thin mouthfeel, overly tart, lacking depth and personality. Not corked... likely just an off bottle? Hope so.
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10/27/2018 - Oldmanzin Likes this wine: 94 Points
Same notes as last time. Great juice!
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9/29/2018 - Oldmanzin Likes this wine: 94 Points
Red and dark fruit dance with minerality and underbrush. The air is filled with aromas of spring flowers. The wine has wonderful texture and depth. Layers upon layers of goodness. Great juice!
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8/19/2018 - Nutty08 Likes this wine: 92 Points
This has calmed down quite a bit in the 2yrs since my last bottle. Still shows a lot of lift and acidity, giving it a narrow feeling on the palate. Nice bramble and typical zin character with touch of spice.
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8/3/2018 - yaCellar Likes this wine: 93 Points
One of those wines you love at the moment, and wish you could revisit in 5, 10 years.
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7/24/2018 - W2WineGuy Likes this wine: 89 Points
good wine, not great. A bit on the sweet/syrupy side for me. Good fruit, well integrated, coats your mouth with medium finish. Nice.
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7/15/2018 - Matt T wrote: 92 Points
Impressive wine. Full throttle Zinfandel with dark fruit and chocolate.
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7/8/2018 - rdf58 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Always a great wine, there seems to have been significant progression since prior tastings in 2016 and 2017. Lots of complexity with focused acidity, red raspberry and tart cherry fruit and a distinctive spice note. Seems a little weightier too. Several years of life left in this one.
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6/30/2018 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 93 Points
Forgot to take detailed notes. Basically, this was a typical Carlisle, which is to say it was really good. Agree with the drinking window here: it's good now but can certainly go for a few more years.
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6/27/2018 - cubswinws Likes this wine: 93 Points
Just a touch above the rest of the pack. Soft fruit with smooth and long finish. Have been on a Carlisle kick recently drinking the Rossi, Monte Rosso and the Montifi. All great but this was the best of the lot.
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6/23/2018 - fredman wrote: 93 Points
P & P. Excellent bottle from start to finish. Good fruit. Sweet tannin. Another home run from Mr. Officer.
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6/14/2018 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Probably not a 93 but in the top 10% of Mike's wines. Really pleasant. Full-bodied, great fruit. great finish.
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6/10/2018 - sawira wrote: 93 Points
Excellent. Bright red fruits, deep earthiness and flavory!
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6/9/2018 - slywka7 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Pop and pour. Aromas of boysenberry, raspberry, cherry, violets and cracked pepper. Flavors of cherry, boysenberry, raspberry and a hint of blueberry. Ends with a blueberry and cherry infused finish of 35 seconds. This is just a nice Zinfandel and drinking really great now. Not a hard edge in sight!
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5/28/2018 - lushlife wrote: 91 Points
a low keyed, sophisticated zin with bright bramble fruit and food friendly acidity and a medium long finish
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5/27/2018 - PasoWallaWill Likes this wine: 93 Points
At home on the deck. Pop and pour. Opened up quickly. Some heat and dark fruit on the nose. Black raspberry and briar on the palate. A touch of smoke and spice on the long finish. Not overly complex, but nice balance and acidity. Very enjoyable.
Night four. Dashed out on a business trip and forgot to put this in the refrigerator. Just a rubber stopper... I thought this would be toast. The heat has dissipated and bigger, plush dark fruits on the nose. I am impressed. Still getting full rich black raspberry, maybe black cherry and briar but silky smooth and soft with a long finish. So full you can almost taste it as it approaches your mouth. This has a balance that makes me think of a tuning fork. Perfect. I think this speaks to the way this wine is made, natural without manipulation. Cheers, Mike and team!
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5/16/2018 - dlduchon Likes this wine: 91 Points
Elegant and refined for a Zinfandel. Not overtly fruity as many Zins are, and this adds to the refinement. It still has that Zin spice on the finish, with integrated tannin. One of Carlisle’s best, but different from most of its bottling as it tones down the Zinfandel note.
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5/6/2018 - budman Likes this wine: 92 Points
Smooth red fruit. Soft tannins. Medium to long finish.
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2/25/2018 - Geoff Likes this wine: 94 Points
Wonderful fruit, balance, almost sweet tannins and long finish.
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2/16/2018 - Frank Murray III wrote:
Opened this about an hour ago, let it sit in the glass. It will be finished off with dinner, along with other massive BYOB flight so this will be my only comment on the wine. I don't find the alcohol like I did in the aromatics of the previous bottle. And this is not chilled in my glass so if there was booze here, it should stick out. Juicy, jammy dark raspberry. Getting some herbs in the palate of the wine too, and a spicy thing in the finish. There is some structure here and also I do like fruit more than age, so I am cool saying this can be enjoyed now or it can be aged longer.
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2/12/2018 - Sellar Rat Likes this wine: 93 Points
Still the most elegant & refined of Carlisle's zins, it has a high-toned nose of raspberry and blackberry with some earthy notes. Palate confirms, with great balance, finesse even (in a zinfandel!) and a finish that goes on and on. Depth without weight. Very fine, and no hurry for these.
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1/28/2018 - Amerique wrote: 92 Points
A little to fat. Wine seemed to lack sufficient backbone of tannin and structure typical of Carlisle Vyd Zin.
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1/24/2018 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted 90 minutes. Inky purple. Pleasant nose. Integrated smooth purple and dark blue fruits. Full bodied but not bold. Nice finish.
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1/17/2018 - pakabear Likes this wine: 93 Points
Loads of black cherry, strawberry, raspberry, black pepper, baking spices, great balance and silky mouthfeel. Love it right now and should be good over the next 3-4 years.
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1/6/2018 - Cipivts Likes this wine: 91 Points
Medium purple, red fruits, vanilla, herbal, quite nice spices, on the palate rich, red jammy fruits with integrated tannins and acidity. Nice!
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12/31/2017 - burgbob wrote: 90 Points
While a nice rich field blend, I felt this bottle lacked some clarity and zip. Carlisle is always excellent for me, and this is on the lower end of their very high bar.
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12/28/2017 - Chainthroer wrote: 92 Points
See prior note.
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12/2/2017 - Rezy13 Likes this wine:
TRB Night (Norcross, GA): Maroon core with brighter lighter rim; intense nose of tart raspberry, cherry, is this Grenache?, candied floral reminiscent of young Italian, new oak, some briar, almost raisin but somehow not overripe in character; lighter mouthfeel when compared to the earlier Cabs, substantial and CdP-like, intense old vine, lovely, really enjoy drinkability; oh yeah- this was on day 2 of being opened; delicious.
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11/15/2017 - Screameagle Likes this wine: 94 Points
A terifific field blend that is drinking great now. Why wait. The petite adds a great backbone that will allow this wine to drink great for at least 5 years maybe 10 years. We lived it.
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11/15/2017 - ShadowIII Likes this wine: 95 Points
A true pleasure to drink, rich dark red fruits with superb balance and elegance, wonderful aromatics, complex, hard to imagine a better old vine field blend Zin!
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11/12/2017 - pgm wrote: 91 Points
Dusty spices and dried strawberries on the nose. The cherry and plum fruit really starts to shine in the mid palate and through the long, lush finish.
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11/8/2017 - Amerique wrote: 93 Points
Classic California Zin!
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9/17/2017 - hoservin wrote: 91 Points
Aerated with a Vinturi and decanted for 30 minuets. Nose of black and red berries, coffee and spice. Black and red berries, bramble and plush tannins on the palate. Leads to a long finish. Well balanced. Medium to full bodied. Served with baked lasagna.
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9/17/2017 - Chainthroer wrote: 92 Points
Black cherry, blackberry, hints of blue berry, black pepper, spice and oak. Similar to the 2012. Has some viscosity. Good structure. A longish finish. Some of the grapes here, interlaced with the Zin grapes, alter what I personally look for in Zinfandel. But, that should not deter from the scoring, as this is a well made wine.
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9/4/2017 - mpricher wrote: 91 Points
Another brilliant effort by Mike Officer and his team. Bright fruit. Not peppery. Alcohol was well integrated and balanced.
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6/23/2017 - JKelly05 Likes this wine:
Dark ruby to purple in the glass.
Black and red dark fruits, vanilla, toast, hint of spicy pepper.
Layered, integrated and full.
Really enjoyed this, drinking quite well now.
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6/9/2017 - tomherer Likes this wine: 92 Points
Quick PnP tasting at the office to end the week. Exuberant blue and red fruit, liqueur without the heat ("only" 15.3%), licorice, ginger snap, cinnamon, clay. Still loads of tannins to shed; very briary. Delicious and totally primary. 92-93 now, but most likely 93-95 in a couple years.
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5/25/2017 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted for two hours and still has lots of legs. Opaque. Nose average. Very full bodied zesty black and purple fruit with a powerful midtongue slightly acidic finish. Yet another wonderful bottle from Mike. Time to erect a statue for him.
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5/16/2017 - lvjohn Likes this wine: 92 Points
The is nearly great, but a short after taste and a so-so mouthfeel limit the overall expression. Terrific initial taste of red and dark red fruit and spice.
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5/6/2017 - GoBlue2002 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drank with Mike & Angie.
This opened up with powerful spicy fruit and silky tannins, yet seemed all in balance. I wouldn't call this reserved per se, just involving more dimensions than a typical Carlisle zin.
Me - 93, Wife - 92
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5/5/2017 - Randito Likes this wine: 93 Points
Smooth layered Zin !
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4/28/2017 - Frank Murray III wrote:
Drank this bottle with Karen, whose note precedes mine. Agree with her note relative to red fruit, which she calls unripe, whereas I differ a bit and saw it more of some astringency from the tannin, along with the acidity that both provide tension in the finish. I too found some alcohol in the aromatic, a bit distracting but it wafts in and out of the other flavors and aromas of the wine. I do think the wine is a little rough right now and can use some extra time to settle, which Karen also noted.
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4/27/2017 - Tangokaren wrote: 90 Points
Aerated and decanted one hour. For my palate, this wine is too young for me. Fresh un-ripe cherry and alcohol showing through. I'll wait 2-3 years before I drink the next one. I think a bit of time in the cellar will really allow this to come together and show as a really good vintage.
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4/3/2017 - lvjohn Likes this wine: 92 Points
A very fine wine. A bit lighter than most Carlisle zins nor as definitive of place.
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4/2/2017 - chanote44 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Perfectly balanced Zin.
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3/26/2017 - tomherer Likes this wine: 94 Points
Needs no description beyond what Loren and TomLee have said recently. Only thing to add is a personal note about how much I appreciate and respect Mike, Jay, and Kendall for letting us drink these life-affirming wines and still maintain a savings account.
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3/10/2017 - Neras Likes this wine: 94 Points
Quite light red. Red fruits. Juicy. Nice attack and totally in balance. Another wonderful wine from Mike O and the Carlisle Vineyard.
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2/6/2017 - wineheadGA wrote: 95 Points
Stunning wine at a young age. Dark fruit on the palate, juicy and delightful flavors. Mike is not a secret anymore, I'd put his zins at or near the top IMO. Would like to see how this will change over time, however, it is beautiful now without doubt. A++
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2/6/2017 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 94 Points
A few for the SuperBowl (Carlisle, Montevetrano, Cockburn, Licht) (Vince & Lisa's): Just a killer bottle. I watched a lot of the others skip this Zin to drink average Cab. I said nothing. Pop and pour, this was singing. Purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, some bramble, licorice and spice. Lush, juicy texture. Deep with complexity. Young and delicious. Smooth. Long finish. Every sip made me want another one. I went back for a second glass and the bottle is empty. I guess the secret is out. World class and under $50. I need to buy more of these.
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1/18/2017 - pakabear Likes this wine: 93 Points
This was interesting because the previous night I had the Bedrock version from the same vineyard and vintage. Less of the massive wall of cherry, more black cherry, pepper on the nose, great balance, and a full mouthfeel. This is really solid as usual from Mike.
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12/22/2016 - Robwild Likes this wine: 91 Points
Deep purple color. nose of citrus and berries. Cherries, raspberries and blackberries. Nicely balanced and supple. Give about 30 minutes to open up.
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11/27/2016 - haldolugr wrote: 92 Points
Awesome bottle of Zin. Lots of layers of flavor all mixing together to create a wine with a ton of depth and complexity.
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11/23/2016 - Rangeldoug Likes this wine: 92 Points
wow...the nose on this thing. It gives you a sense that it would be much more of a fruit bomb than it is. Solid stuff.
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11/12/2016 - BobMilton Likes this wine: 90 Points
Tasted as part of our tasting groups annual "Killer Reds" tasting. Was very good (tart cherries noticeably) but not outstanding in a flight of 8 very very good wines.
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10/31/2016 - rdf58 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Lighter in color and texture than some previous editions. Opens up nicely with a bit of air, revealing abundant strawberry and other red fruit flavors. Supple and easy drinking.
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10/26/2016 - jfpwine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Red-purple color. Flamboyant red fruit nose, with oak spice. Smooth medium body, with dusty tannins, red fruit and a long finish. Very young and sexy.
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10/4/2016 - Mootsie Likes this wine: 93 Points
90 minute decant. Wonderfully spicy with big black pepper notes and a little bit of menthol. Blue and black savory fruits. You can definitely taste the Petite Sirah and the Alicante Bouchet. Great complexity. Very satisfying. Drink or hold. Served slightly cool. 93+
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9/22/2016 - bubbachumps wrote: 93 Points
Perfumed nose of cherry, raspberry, mushroom earth, blackberry and some red licorice. In the mouth, cherry flavors carry through with a silky texture and some warmth. Delicious!
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9/13/2016 - Nutty08 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Let the wife roam in the cellar and this is what she came up with. Big black and blue fruited nose, with plenty of spice. A little high toned on the palate, with a hint of heat on the finish. Strong acidity keeps this fresh but also a bit narrow and linear. Moderate finish. Probably needs a year or 2 to settle down.
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9/11/2016 - Mrp2008 wrote: 92 Points
Let this baby sleep. Took hours to actually show some Zin qualities. Big acidity. Will be quite good with some time.
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8/26/2016 - LCHammer Likes this wine: 93 Points
Great zin fruit profile with baking spice and pepper notes, likely coming from the field blend grapes. Wonderful wine.
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8/20/2016 - Anthonut Likes this wine: 93 Points
Excellent wine with a long life ahead. Took a good two hours of decanting to really start strutting but after that dark brambly fruit, tobacco and spice inundated the palate with a lengthy finish that keep the fruit going.
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7/28/2016 - cuffthis Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted for 30 minutes.
Dark purple in color, this wine revealed intense and focused aromas of bramble, black cherry, black licorice and tobacco leaf on the nose. The mouth feel is full-bodied with subtly sweet tannins that brought out elements of blackberry, blackcurrant and black pepper. The finish was 45+ seconds long of sweet fruit, brisk acidity and tobacco hints that held the 15.3% abv well in check and barely noticeable.
Purchased for $50US, this is a gorgeous offering that is just beginning to hit its stride. There is a ton of complexity to this wine that makes each taste, each glass thoroughly enjoyable.
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7/13/2016 - Randito Likes this wine: 94 Points
Black raspberry and dark cherry with a hint of orange zest, oak and pepper finish. A fairly Long concentrated finish.
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7/12/2016 - Xfactor wrote: 93 Points
Lots more brown spice and oak than previous vintages, but what a bottle!
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7/9/2016 - Mr.Overhill Likes this wine: 92 Points
It looks like Mike went to the oak monster dark side on this one, but somehow he still kept a piece of the force in the final product. Beautiful red fruit, wonderful acids and really good finish. Is this the future of winning Sonoma zins? If so I'm a believer. Feels like it can go for at least another five plus years. Will post again on day two to see how it develops with air time.
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7/4/2016 - rama Likes this wine:
On the nose, all things black: berry, pepper, cherry. Touch of smoke. On the palate: juicy red and black fruit, medium/high brightness, smooth tannins. Salinity and a cooing mint finish.
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6/16/2016 - Mike Dildine Likes this wine: 94 Points
As expected, superb RRV ancient vine Zin! Great vineyard, expertly crafted.
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6/6/2016 - Matt T Likes this wine: 93 Points
Fully loaded with raspberry, blackberry, oak, and chocolate. Great acidic balance. Drink or hold.
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5/30/2016 - burgbob wrote: 91 Points
Full bodied and lush. Drinks very well now and hides it's alcohol well.
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5/1/2016 - CabIsKing wrote: 92 Points
Good nose of black cherry, spices and vanilla. Big in the mouth with good grippy tannins and long finish. This will definitely get better with time.
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4/12/2016 - B Paul wrote: 91 Points
Good, especially at the price (as usual). Really tasty now and I see no reason to hold, though there may be upside to another year or two of age.
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3/11/2016 - Mootsie Likes this wine: 93 Points
I was expecting BIG, but this one is right inline with the Carlisle style. Balanced with good fruit. Very well made. Great wine. Drink or hold.
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2/8/2016 - WineCPA wrote: 93 Points
Previous reviewer nailed this. Black cherry and licorice, pepper. Great flavor profile, but not for the faint of heart. Require hearty food. Quite tasty. Drink now-2020.
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1/5/2016 - davej Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nose of dark black cherry, licorice, white pepper and vanilla. Flavors follow suit but are more muted as the acidity seems swallowed up by the fruit at this time. Finish is long with black fruits dominating but is also slightly muted. Needs time to open up. On November shipment so may still be a little bottle shocked.
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12/26/2015 - cdebeau Likes this wine: 90 Points
Fruit forward, cherry, easy drinking
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12/25/2015 - SineQuaNon Likes this wine: 93 Points
Darker in profile and more brooding than Papera Ranch 2013 at this point. This is probably the best of the two, also in the long run. This is erring more on the Blackberry/Blackberry Liqueured side of things and also quite spicy. Structured but not overtly so, a vintage with a great surplus of the good stuff. Should age effortlessly for a decade or more. Great energy and nerve, however that is possible in a wine of these dimensions (big body, high alcohol)
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12/20/2015 - tomlee wrote: 93 Points
Purple in color. 15.3% ABV. From a Russian River Valley vineyard planted in 1927. 87% Zinfandel and 13% Mixed Black and White Varieties. A total of 40 different grapes. How cool is that? Somewhat brooding nose of blue and black fruits, earth and licorice. Full bodied with mouth watering acidity. Plush and jammy on the palate. Flavors of blackberry, black cherry and cocoa. Exceptionally long finish. Drink over the next 4-6 years.
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12/9/2015 - Matt Scott Likes this wine: 93 Points
Charred pork, blackberry, red cherry, roasted walnut, Hi-C Punch, and plumeria. A stabbing middle palate, with a balanced, woodsy, long finish; tannin of fiber. Designed for the cellar and another reason why 2013 is the year of the Carlisle! Drink 2017 - 2025.
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12/8/2015 - soyhead wrote:
Supposedly quite old vine Zinfandel
Nose - brambleberry, cherry, oak
Mouth - rich full bodied touch spicy dried cherry, spice cake, nice complex finish. Paying a visit to a varietal I neglect. Good not great.
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11/25/2015 - Ilikadajuice wrote: 92 Points
Open and ready for business. Great on Day 1. Fantastic on Day 2.
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11/22/2015 - norzano Likes this wine: 93 Points
Great, easy to drink. Dark chocolate and cherry on the nose -- very nice. Strawberry, red fruits, a slight spice....all well rounded with a little acid kick. Yeah it's young but agree with the last post....delicious.
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11/18/2015 - etc Likes this wine:
Picked this up today and couldn't wait. Young but drinking fantastic right out the gate. Flavor explodes with great balance. Time… this doesn't need no stinkin time.
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8/15/2015 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 92 Points
Family Winemakers 25th Anniversary Tasting, I remember their first at the Hyatt Embarcadero. Nose of black cherry fruit, dusty earth, licorice, and subdued briar, more of the same on the palate, big brooding body, touch of heat, needs 4 years to peak, long, long finish.
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8/6/2015 - Robwild Likes this wine: 93 Points
My first bottle of Carlisle and it lived up to expectations and reputation. An absolutely wonderful Zinfandel. Red ruby color, nose of blackberry and Cherry. Full bodied, yet soft and refined. Well balanced, soft, supple and opulent.
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3/6/2015 - brigcampbell wrote:
Book club - MO (Playground - Santa Ana, CA): Blind. Guessed zin. Tannins are very silky, seems totally resolved. There's a cherry core here versus the red berry of Papera. Lighter, delicate zin.
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3/5/2015 - Counselor Chris wrote:
Tasted double blind alongside the 2013 Carlisle Zinfandel Papera Vineyard. This was double decanted 24 hours in advance, then served from the bottle.
Restrained red and black cherry fruit, with some notable cherry skin and pit characteristics. This finished with a chalky, minerally feel, plus a hint of anise. There is scarcely any perception of oak, even at this very young age, nor any heat. I didn't know what to guess, I thought perhaps some other variety from Carlisle's porfolio that wasn't zin or syrah.
This is a tightly coiled young wine, that improved in the glass, and should really hit its stride starting in a couple of years. Terrific potential, and a good choice for someone looking for a redder, more restrained take on California zin blends. Mike's wines show interesting vintage variation, and my sense is that 2013 is going to be a good one for his zins, where I think the 2012s may be a little larger than I'm preferring these days. And 2011 was my favorite zin vintage.
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3/5/2015 - Frank Murray III wrote:
Opened yesterday, then splash decanted today so all in, this has seen about a day of slox ox plus the splash. For comparison purposes and with some good fortune too, I am tasting this next to the 2013 Carlisle Papera zin, which I treated the exact same way as this wine. Poured at room temp, which is 70 degrees. For me, that means no chill and no aid from it that could suppress an alc signature. Gotta say, like the Papera, there is no booze in the aromatic here, which is a big plus for me. Where the Papera is more delicate, smoother and sexy, this Carlisle shows more brawn, more oomph. There is simply better delineation right now in the Papera, less with this Carlisle. Deeper flavors here, more licorice and darker notes whereas the Papera was more berry-like, razzy in tone. There is acidity here, and in fact, it reminds me a lot of fresh blackberry, the tones I get when I bit into fruit like these. So, if you get my gist, the Papera redder in tone, the Carlisle blue and black. And, a bit of new oak seasons the aromatic in the end of the glass, seemingly more at play in the Carlisle too, but in no way an oaky imprint. Finally, the Carlisle is tighter in the finish at this stage, yet both saw the same ox and splash treatment. Thus, taking a leap, I'd say the Carlisle needs more time to unwrap and perhaps will last longer, just doesn't drink so immediately good as the Papera. Always love the Carlisle depth and fruit. Lovely.....PS--this picked up a bit more weight when I tried it finally at dinner.
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