Unintentionally opened >90 minutes. Delightful, expressive, no raisins or even much plumminess, just pure brambleberry. Last bottle, and one of the best. Clearly at peak - but don't wait too much longer!
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Perfect summer day. Opened and poured - smooth velvety creamy zin at open, very dark drimson with tinges of bricking. Dark brooding nose of black, blue and deep red fruits....jammy muted nose but what's there is very good. Turning a wee bit sour with air, fleshing the strawberry tones over humid acetylene clouds. Keeping the round frame, flavors muting a bit.
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Decanted for one hour. Aromas of blackberry liquor, blueberry, cocoa, blood orange, spice and underbrush. Blackberry, blueberry, blood orange, spice and underbrush on the palate. Long, ripe fruit-driven finish. Full bodied. Served with baked lasagna.
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Tasting a 2013 Bedrock Pagani at 14.5% abv alongside the 2013 Carlisle Pagani 15.8% was fun and instructive. Both were excellent and on opening their scents from the glass were striking similar. Over two hours the Carlisle aromas moved toward concentrated sweet Zinfandel fruit essences of black raspberry and pomegranate, with a trace of showy oak spice. The Bedrock aromas tended in a different direction, less voluptuous but more complex, reminding me of old world red-fruited blends from Priorat, even flirting with right bank Bordeaux cassis, pencil lead, and cedar.
In the mouth both were thoroughly new world. Carlisle was graceful, high toned, and liqueur-like, with a feel of a sumptuous, chocolate truffle, and with tannins resolved. The Bedrock Pagani was richly savory, with more cedar, "Rutherford dust", leather-cranberry tartness, and a plush cocoa tannic layering. The Carlisle was most enjoyable with a plate of exquisite cheeses, like a classic ruby port. The Bedrock went better and became more expressive with the dinner itself, cauliflower, asparagus, saffron rice, Morrocan lemon/olive sauced-chicken.
Both are in a prime drinking window. The Bedrock may hold at its peak a bit longer and seemed the better food wine. The acidity and freshness of the Carlisle is still phenomenal, so who knows.
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Wow, was this good. The complete package. Rich purple coloring, magenta rims and such a dynamic profile to the fruit. Intense and engaging with some rose petal notes in the backdrop and then cascading red and black fruits. Raspberry compote, black pepper, black plum, and nice juicy acidity still present. I'm a Zin fan and this was an archetype. So good, bottle age was rewarded and it's rockin' and rollin' now.
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All I'm gonna say is this is easily a top ten of all time Carlisle Zin for me. The complete package. I have never tasted a Zin before in which the leading dominant fruit was blood orange - dark fruits in the background. I wouldn't push it though - drink over the next 2 to 3 years.
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Purple in color. 15.8% ABV. Tremendous nose of blue and black fruits, anise and pepper. Medium to full bodied with perfect acidity. Remarkably well balanced. Impressive structure and concentration. Blueberry, boysenberry, blood orange and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Fabulous Zinfandel from a heritage vineyard. I remember trying this Zin shortly after it was released and it is as good now as it was then. Glorious Zinfandel. Best over the next several years.
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Very dark re/purple color. Drank 2 glasses over 2.5 hours. This wine was really in a perfect spot for my tastes. So soft and textural on the palate with resolved tannins, integrated oak and beautifully balanced in way that most zins can only dream of. The nose has a wonderful bevy of almost sweet brambly berries, blackberry, black raspberry, and plum with graphite, pepper and hints of fresh herbs. The palate carries the bramble berry fruit and adds a nice tart black cherry note, plenty of graphite, dark chocolate, herbs, pepper and spice. Loved this one.
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Same score as last time (Aug 2017). One of the better Carlisle Zins we've had, uber plush with nice complexity, maayybe a skoosh of pepper there (never enough for us), dark fruited. Really good on PnP and improved in the glass, feels like it's at peak. As with all the other Carlisles (and Bedrock and Turley for that matter) a cab lovers Zin.
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A different tasting for different times. In the middle of the Corona Virus Stay at Home we have started live FaceTime tastings (distancing was 5 miles) with another couple. Each of us pulled the Carlisle 2013 Pagini Ranch from our cellars and discussed the wine as well as our families. To the point the wine is fabulous. Blackberries on the nose and lots of dark fruit on the mouth with a very long and complex finish. I wouldn't have guessed it was 15.8% alcohol. Loved it! Wishing all my friends stay well and healthy.
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PnP. Great Zin. Combination of bright red fruit and blueberry which pops from the glass in a smooth balance package. A bit of spice on a long finish. Some heat creeps in at times and keeps it from even a higher score.
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Best zin I have had, and I have been on Carlisle and Turley wine lists for many years. Loaded with dark fruit but not over the top. Viscous, smooth and ready. Spectacular! Oh how I wish I had more!
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This was extremely satisfying. Big-fruited, dark, but with significant (well-sized) acidic lift. Distinctly more generous and less tannic/traditional-structured than the Bedrock Pagani I had a few days ago (different year too but I think the generalization holds). Both are enormously satisfying wines and I think 5-6 years from vintage is a wonderful time to drink this wine, whereas the Bedrock can still sit a few more.
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Popped and poured; deep, brilliant purple/ruby. Billowing aromas immediately off the pop...a lifted, almost floral perfume of blackberry, boysenberry, black pepper, autumnal vegetation, eucalyptus, chocolate mint, red clay & graham cracker. Evolves continually with air. Medium-plus body, racy acidity. On the palate, more red-fruited (cherries, cranberries, blood orange) in character plus notes of spice and an intriguing green/menthol quality. Rounded, somewhat chewy tannins accentuate the flavors on an endless close. The herbaceous earthiness of this wine is just special...and yeah, some touches of VA and heat but who cares?? Absolutely profound.
Quick comment: Although perhaps less elegant, this is Mike's answer to L'Ermita
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Superb zin. Unfortunately, a one-off bottle for me. This reminded me a bit of the Papera Ranch in being on the slightly more elegant side with crackling acidity. Vibrant red fruits and just hints of spice. Really nice stuff. Can be drunk now but should also go a few more years easily.
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Previously Coravined, a little more earthy but otherwise the same as recent note. Drank with a fairly salty Tuscan meatball minestrone soup which may have effected the taste profile as well. Still very nicely done.
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Dense dark purple. Cherry cobbler and baked apple and spice on the nose. At PNP hits you with ripe cherry flavors, over time it adds plum, blueberry, then with red raspberry jam on the finish. Terrific! Drank with vege pizza. Rocked my world. Great job Mike Officer! Drinking really well now, no reason to hold although no hurry either.
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Dark dark red. A truly remarkable earthy, chalky nose (damp forest floor works too). After a taste the most striking feature is the balance. The acidity, near 16% heat, intense yet fine tannins, black fruit, and spice are just perfectly balanced - the combination leaving the taste (and memory of the nose) lingering for nearly a minute. I was blown away - and started with high expectations anyway.
Well done Mr Officer - cheers!!
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Smooth layered black cherry, cola, vanila and a inegrated oak and slight pepper finish. A lot of jammy fruit that is balanced and ready to drink now! And probably remain in an ideal window for a few years to come!
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Nose of black cherry. blackberry, and damp forest floor, same on the palate, big body, very rich fruit, mouth filling fruit, touch sweet, almost elegant-especially for a Zinfandel, very tasty, paired with beef burritos, and a long finish. Misty night and misty photo.
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We loved this wine, but it may not be to everyone's taste. We detected a dusty feeling in the mouth that we think may be the tannins or something leftover from the fermentation process. We found this element additive to the tasting experience. Everything was in balance otherwise with good rich fruit and that lack of defects which typify Carlisle wines.
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Clear Ruby color, medium+ tears, medium+ extraction, nose of cherry, pepper, licorice, vanilla, strawberry and cream, palate confirms nose with some tree bark, dried early, medium+ acidity and body, great length with medium tannins on the finish that could use a couple years. Tasted blind and picked out 2013 Carlisle Zin, missed vineyard. Very good Zin example as usual from Mike and crew.
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Popped and poured. Nose of blackberry liquor, spice, cocoa and blood orange. Ripe black and red berries, chocolate and Zinfandel spice on the palate. Long finish. Full bodied. Served with cheese pizza.
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Took ~30 mins off the pop to loosen up, but once it did, emerged as one if the most fascinating zins I've ever had. Wrapped in creamy caffe mocha. Underripe strawberry, cinnamon-sugar doughnut, rhubarb, coriander, crunchy red apple, and wild berry. Drink over the 5-10 years, but decant if drinking near-term.
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Smooth and elegant. Almost more Cabernet-like. Not as much pepper as I like from a Zin. Judging by the Carlisle's I've had, Mike is not a pepper guy! All in all, a very nice wine. I suggest a minimum four hour decant, then it's ready to go. Also seems like it will last at least a few more years though it's drinking well right now.
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Better with each bottle. Nicely fragrant. Medium to full body with a supple mouthfeel. Bold raspberry/plum/cherry fruit meets smokey, syrah like notes. Still holding up nicely after 72 hours.
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Dark, dense wine that is very ripe. If you like Zins, hard to imagine not liking this wine. No rush to open these if you have them but sometimes it is nice to drink zins on the young side. Carlisle is so damn consistent!
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A beautiful and wonderful expression of old vine zin. Excellent balance and purity of fruit demonstrated throughout. Tannins and alcohol in check. Hit its stride about an hour after opening.
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Deep ruby color. Dark fruit with the usual balanced acidity. Finishes with almost syrah-like meatiness and woodsy notes. 90% Zin but tastes like a higher percentage of old vine mixed blacks.
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Nose of black cherry. blackberry, plum, and earth, the same on the palate, big body, rich fruit and complexity make this something special to drink, almost elegant, very tasty, enjoy it if you own it, paired with roast beef, great combination, has a long, flavorful finish.
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Aerated with a Vinturi and decanted for one hour. Aromas of blackberry, cherry, licorice, floral notes, cocoa and spice. Blackberry, cherry, coffee, licorice and vanilla on the palate. Leads to a very long finish. Mouth coating texture, dense with waves of flavor. Full bodied. Served with hamburger, macaroni and cheese.
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PNP, consumed over 4 hours. Dark color. Lovely nose. Dark cherry that's slightly tart. I get the bubble gum and cola that others have noted. At least four other varietals blended in here but still shows hints of the all-spice flavor that I associate with Zinfandel. A bit dark and brooding. Mild tannins. Juicy finish. Very good. CT community score of 93 seems about right.
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Much better than the bottle we had in April. Shows better on day 2. Nice bramble, pepper and cola notes emerge on day 2. Intense, rich, but balanced wine. Right inline with the Carlisle Zin style. Long decant or hold.
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This was definitely smoother on day 2. Shows some sweet fruit without being cloying. Black cherry, raspberry, plum. Full bodied and definitely not for the timid.
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Nose of black cherry. plum, and blackberry, more of the same on the palate, big body, rich fruit makes this very tasty this evening, at it's peak and will easily last 8 years, tasted delicious when paired with the dark chocolate, salted caramel bar, long. long, flavorful finish.
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Reminds me why I love Carlisle. Delicious fruit hits you right off the bat but without the overpowering alcohol. Sorry I only had one of these but at least I had that.
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This might be my favorite Sonoma zinfandel of all time! This beauty marries rich fruit with complexity. You can have it both ways! Though I would not call this an 'elegant' wine. It is dark and muscular with good tannic grip throughout the long finish. Fruit profile is centered on dark berry and black plum. Plenty of spice and hints of minerality to keep things honest.
Nose of black fruit, cherry. plum, white pepper, and allspice, more of the same on the palate, very, rich, ripe fruit forward mid palate, tasted delicious, big body, and long, flavorful finish.
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15.8% abv. Dark purple ruby, expressive aromatics. Red cherry, boysenberries, a little mint, bramble and pepper. Very deep and rich, excellent length. A powerhouse, probably best over the next 4-5 years.
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Having been a huge fan of Ridge Pagani over the years I was pleased to finally get an allocation and be able to try the Carlisle. I have to say, for all the power and depth that the Ridge had, this Carlisle Pagani shows a profoundly more complex depth with layers and layers of dark fruits. Blackberry, boysenberry, dark and rich, powerful but at the same time almost elegant. It isn't tame, but it is superbly balanced both in mouthfeel and acidity. The finish echoes the spicy, savory characteristics with plenty of dark fruit and a nice smooth base of tannins. I have to say, the best Pagani I have had in all the years of drinking then. Bravo! Next year my wish list is for a dozen!
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15.8% abv. Wonderfully deep, rich, long and pure, this is a great expression from this century-plus Sonoma Valley mixed black vineyard. Will continue to improve from here.
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Inky blue/black fruit, but not much pepper or spice, not much Zin-ness. Alcohol is well contained. Well made, but seems a bit too polished. Attorneys Friday wine tasting.
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Nose of red and black fruit, warm tea, and sage, more of the same on the palate, rich, ripe fruit tasted delicious, almost elegant, seems simple on the mid palate but is actually a subtle conglomeration of flavors depending which bite of meaty pizza I enjoyed with it, big body, and long, juicy finish.
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Decanted 6 hours, but still very tight. WIll get better with time, but performed well with the decant. Notes of bramble, sandlewood and raspberries. In the mouth, some tannin present. Decent level of acidity. Great wine that will only get better with time.
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Opaque purple in color. 15.8% ABV. 90% Zinfandel and 10% Mixed Blacks from a Sonoma Valley vineyard planted in 1895. Fresh nose dominated by cool blue and red fruits. Medium to full body with impeccable balance. Rich and silky on the palate. Flavors of blueberry liqueur, raspberries and just a touch of peach. The finish lingers until you are ready for another sip. Delicious Zinfandel to drink over the next 6-8 years.
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Splash decanted. Full body. Rich and velvety dark fruit on the palate along with lively acidity, gritty sweetness and spice. No hard edges. Open for business.
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12/10/2023 - BHRH Likes this wine: 93 Points
Unintentionally opened >90 minutes. Delightful, expressive, no raisins or even much plumminess, just pure brambleberry. Last bottle, and one of the best. Clearly at peak - but don't wait too much longer!
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9/27/2023 - JCMenendez Likes this wine: 92 Points
Delicious Zin. All the fruit with more refinement and better integrated. Drinking so nicely now but in no hurry.
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7/30/2023 - Senso-beak wrote:
Perfect summer day. Opened and poured - smooth velvety creamy zin at open, very dark drimson with tinges of bricking. Dark brooding nose of black, blue and deep red fruits....jammy muted nose but what's there is very good. Turning a wee bit sour with air, fleshing the strawberry tones over humid acetylene clouds. Keeping the round frame, flavors muting a bit.
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5/7/2023 - wiscgrad wrote: 94 Points
fantastic zin. aromatics were off the charts. plenty of fruit. drink or hold
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8/22/2022 - Ridgerunner Likes this wine: 94 Points
So very interesting when you get to taste these wines from multiple winemakers from the same source/vineyard. Carlisle really nailed it!
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7/24/2022 - yaCellar Likes this wine: 93 Points
Loads of fruit remaining
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4/23/2022 - IanAltman Likes this wine: 95 Points
Decanted for 1 hour. Wow. These are showing beautifully. Smooth.
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2/5/2022 - IanAltman Likes this wine: 94 Points
Decanted for 90 minutes. Beautifully balanced wine that paired with beef and (to our surprise) duck breast. It needed the decanting.
Dark cherry, blackberry, hint of vanilla in the back of the palate. Yummy.
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1/18/2022 - hoservin Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decanted for one hour. Aromas of blackberry liquor, blueberry, cocoa, blood orange, spice and underbrush. Blackberry, blueberry, blood orange, spice and underbrush on the palate. Long, ripe fruit-driven finish. Full bodied. Served with baked lasagna.
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12/30/2021 - wilypod Likes this wine: 92 Points
Tasting a 2013 Bedrock Pagani at 14.5% abv alongside the 2013 Carlisle Pagani 15.8% was fun and instructive. Both were excellent and on opening their scents from the glass were striking similar. Over two hours the Carlisle aromas moved toward concentrated sweet Zinfandel fruit essences of black raspberry and pomegranate, with a trace of showy oak spice. The Bedrock aromas tended in a different direction, less voluptuous but more complex, reminding me of old world red-fruited blends from Priorat, even flirting with right bank Bordeaux cassis, pencil lead, and cedar.
In the mouth both were thoroughly new world. Carlisle was graceful, high toned, and liqueur-like, with a feel of a sumptuous, chocolate truffle, and with tannins resolved. The Bedrock Pagani was richly savory, with more cedar, "Rutherford dust", leather-cranberry tartness, and a plush cocoa tannic layering. The Carlisle was most enjoyable with a plate of exquisite cheeses, like a classic ruby port. The Bedrock went better and became more expressive with the dinner itself, cauliflower, asparagus, saffron rice, Morrocan lemon/olive sauced-chicken.
Both are in a prime drinking window. The Bedrock may hold at its peak a bit longer and seemed the better food wine. The acidity and freshness of the Carlisle is still phenomenal, so who knows.
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12/17/2021 - btock Likes this wine: 95 Points
Wow, was this good. The complete package. Rich purple coloring, magenta rims and such a dynamic profile to the fruit. Intense and engaging with some rose petal notes in the backdrop and then cascading red and black fruits. Raspberry compote, black pepper, black plum, and nice juicy acidity still present. I'm a Zin fan and this was an archetype. So good, bottle age was rewarded and it's rockin' and rollin' now.
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7/26/2021 - Dale M wrote:
All I'm gonna say is this is easily a top ten of all time Carlisle Zin for me. The complete package. I have never tasted a Zin before in which the leading dominant fruit was blood orange - dark fruits in the background. I wouldn't push it though - drink over the next 2 to 3 years.
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6/3/2021 - ebert wrote: 88 Points
Past it’s orime
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4/6/2021 - PSUSteve Likes this wine: 94 Points
Decanted for 30 minutes. Great mix of blueberry and black fruit interlaced with bramble of spice. Very nice acidity.
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2/2/2021 - tomlee wrote: 94 Points
Purple in color. 15.8% ABV. Tremendous nose of blue and black fruits, anise and pepper. Medium to full bodied with perfect acidity. Remarkably well balanced. Impressive structure and concentration. Blueberry, boysenberry, blood orange and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Fabulous Zinfandel from a heritage vineyard. I remember trying this Zin shortly after it was released and it is as good now as it was then. Glorious Zinfandel. Best over the next several years.
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10/2/2020 - Castle Peak wrote: 94 Points
Delicious And expressive Zinfandel. Beautiful balance of flavors and textures. Every sip was a joy.
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8/16/2020 - rocknroller wrote: 92 Points
Very dark re/purple color. Drank 2 glasses over 2.5 hours. This wine was really in a perfect spot for my tastes. So soft and textural on the palate with resolved tannins, integrated oak and beautifully balanced in way that most zins can only dream of. The nose has a wonderful bevy of almost sweet brambly berries, blackberry, black raspberry, and plum with graphite, pepper and hints of fresh herbs. The palate carries the bramble berry fruit and adds a nice tart black cherry note, plenty of graphite, dark chocolate, herbs, pepper and spice. Loved this one.
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5/2/2020 - ozziewine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Same score as last time (Aug 2017). One of the better Carlisle Zins we've had, uber plush with nice complexity, maayybe a skoosh of pepper there (never enough for us), dark fruited.
Really good on PnP and improved in the glass, feels like it's at peak. As with all the other Carlisles (and Bedrock and Turley for that matter) a cab lovers Zin.
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4/24/2020 - jroszkowski Likes this wine: 90 Points
Black raspberry, leather notes. Dried herbs early. Fruit took time to open up.
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3/23/2020 - rwerner Likes this wine: 94 Points
A different tasting for different times. In the middle of the Corona Virus Stay at Home we have started live FaceTime tastings (distancing was 5 miles) with another couple. Each of us pulled the Carlisle 2013 Pagini Ranch from our cellars and discussed the wine as well as our families. To the point the wine is fabulous. Blackberries on the nose and lots of dark fruit on the mouth with a very long and complex finish. I wouldn't have guessed it was 15.8% alcohol. Loved it! Wishing all my friends stay well and healthy.
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3/22/2020 - PSUSteve Likes this wine: 94 Points
PnP. Great Zin. Combination of bright red fruit and blueberry which pops from the glass in a smooth balance package. A bit of spice on a long finish. Some heat creeps in at times and keeps it from even a higher score.
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1/19/2020 - depdoc wrote: 96 Points
Best zin I have had, and I have been on Carlisle and Turley wine lists for many years. Loaded with dark fruit but not over the top. Viscous, smooth and ready. Spectacular! Oh how I wish I had more!
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10/28/2019 - khmark7 wrote:
Still a very big wine. I taste a lot of Petite Sirah in this red, and maybe best with grilled beef. I think this will last forever....
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10/8/2019 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Beautiful full-bodied wine with lots of deep rich dark fruit. Alcohol blows off pretty quickly. Bold finish.
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9/14/2019 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 93 Points
Big, powerful wine with blueberry and blackberry notes. Some earthy notes on the finish to help provide balance.
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7/31/2019 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Really enjoyed this. Very nice fruit. Full bodied. Quite smooth. Dark red and blue fruit. Pleasant finish. Top 20% of Carlisles.
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5/14/2019 - Vizslas Chloe and Roxy Likes this wine: 94 Points
Delicious
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4/13/2019 - joet626 Likes this wine: 91 Points
VG. Nice dark fruits
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3/3/2019 - Mr.Overhill wrote: 93 Points
Wowza!! Just starting to get into the groove. Love that pagani earthiness and dark fruits. Wish I had plenty more but sadly not.
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2/25/2019 - rama Likes this wine:
Rich, viscous, black fruited. Touch of sweet menthol on the finish. Better with a few hours of air, so be patient or give a decant.
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1/18/2019 - Jahull03 wrote:
This was extremely satisfying. Big-fruited, dark, but with significant (well-sized) acidic lift. Distinctly more generous and less tannic/traditional-structured than the Bedrock Pagani I had a few days ago (different year too but I think the generalization holds). Both are enormously satisfying wines and I think 5-6 years from vintage is a wonderful time to drink this wine, whereas the Bedrock can still sit a few more.
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1/14/2019 - *Vine* wrote:
Popped and poured; deep, brilliant purple/ruby. Billowing aromas immediately off the pop...a lifted, almost floral perfume of blackberry, boysenberry, black pepper, autumnal vegetation, eucalyptus, chocolate mint, red clay & graham cracker. Evolves continually with air. Medium-plus body, racy acidity. On the palate, more red-fruited (cherries, cranberries, blood orange) in character plus notes of spice and an intriguing green/menthol quality. Rounded, somewhat chewy tannins accentuate the flavors on an endless close.
The herbaceous earthiness of this wine is just special...and yeah, some touches of VA and heat but who cares?? Absolutely profound.
Quick comment: Although perhaps less elegant, this is Mike's answer to L'Ermita
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12/24/2018 - gmbdds wrote: 91 Points
Generous with dark and fruits and briary notes. Fresh and young with room for development.
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10/22/2018 - 1997cobalt Likes this wine: 93 Points
Another robust full flavored winner
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8/30/2018 - cubswinws Likes this wine: 94 Points
Just an incredible zin that is hitting all the marks. Still vibrant but great depth and long finish. Superb!
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8/9/2018 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 93 Points
Superb zin. Unfortunately, a one-off bottle for me. This reminded me a bit of the Papera Ranch in being on the slightly more elegant side with crackling acidity. Vibrant red fruits and just hints of spice. Really nice stuff. Can be drunk now but should also go a few more years easily.
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6/27/2018 - ravbik wrote: 92 Points
Very nice zin. Good balance of sweetness and brambly fruit . Some acid and tannins .
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5/11/2018 - cubswinws Likes this wine: 93 Points
Vibrant and luscious. Super nice zin and always one of my favorites from Mike.
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4/26/2018 - rustyRudy Likes this wine: 92 Points
Previously Coravined, a little more earthy but otherwise the same as recent note. Drank with a fairly salty Tuscan meatball minestrone soup which may have effected the taste profile as well. Still very nicely done.
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4/9/2018 - rustyRudy Likes this wine: 94 Points
Dense dark purple. Cherry cobbler and baked apple and spice on the nose. At PNP hits you with ripe cherry flavors, over time it adds plum, blueberry, then with red raspberry jam on the finish. Terrific! Drank with vege pizza. Rocked my world. Great job Mike Officer! Drinking really well now, no reason to hold although no hurry either.
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4/5/2018 - coventryvino Likes this wine: 94 Points
Dark dark red. A truly remarkable earthy, chalky nose (damp forest floor works too). After a taste the most striking feature is the balance. The acidity, near 16% heat, intense yet fine tannins, black fruit, and spice are just perfectly balanced - the combination leaving the taste (and memory of the nose) lingering for nearly a minute. I was blown away - and started with high expectations anyway.
Well done Mr Officer - cheers!!
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4/1/2018 - Randito Likes this wine: 93 Points
Smooth layered black cherry, cola, vanila and a inegrated oak and slight pepper finish. A lot of jammy fruit that is balanced and ready to drink now! And probably remain in an ideal window for a few years to come!
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1/16/2018 - bestdamncab wrote: 92 Points
Nose of black cherry. blackberry, and damp forest floor, same on the palate, big body, very rich fruit, mouth filling fruit, touch sweet, almost elegant-especially for a Zinfandel, very tasty, paired with beef burritos, and a long finish. Misty night and misty photo.
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12/22/2017 - lvjohn Likes this wine:
We loved this wine, but it may not be to everyone's taste. We detected a dusty feeling in the mouth that we think may be the tannins or something leftover from the fermentation process. We found this element additive to the tasting experience. Everything was in balance otherwise with good rich fruit and that lack of defects which typify Carlisle wines.
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12/10/2017 - CabIsKing wrote: 92 Points
Nose full of dark cherries, earth and hints of mocha. Full bodied with a long finish. No need to wait on this one. Drinking great right now.
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11/1/2017 - pakabear Likes this wine: 93 Points
Clear Ruby color, medium+ tears, medium+ extraction, nose of cherry, pepper, licorice, vanilla, strawberry and cream, palate confirms nose with some tree bark, dried early, medium+ acidity and body, great length with medium tannins on the finish that could use a couple years. Tasted blind and picked out 2013 Carlisle Zin, missed vineyard. Very good Zin example as usual from Mike and crew.
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10/20/2017 - hoservin Likes this wine: 92 Points
Popped and poured. Nose of blackberry liquor, spice, cocoa and blood orange. Ripe black and red berries, chocolate and Zinfandel spice on the palate. Long finish. Full bodied. Served with cheese pizza.
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10/10/2017 - tomherer Likes this wine: 94 Points
Took ~30 mins off the pop to loosen up, but once it did, emerged as one if the most fascinating zins I've ever had. Wrapped in creamy caffe mocha. Underripe strawberry, cinnamon-sugar doughnut, rhubarb, coriander, crunchy red apple, and wild berry. Drink over the 5-10 years, but decant if drinking near-term.
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8/19/2017 - ozziewine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Smooth and elegant. Almost more Cabernet-like. Not as much pepper as I like from a Zin. Judging by the Carlisle's I've had, Mike is not a pepper guy!
All in all, a very nice wine. I suggest a minimum four hour decant, then it's ready to go. Also seems like it will last at least a few more years though it's drinking well right now.
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7/18/2017 - rdf58 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Better with each bottle. Nicely fragrant. Medium to full body with a supple mouthfeel. Bold raspberry/plum/cherry fruit meets smokey, syrah like notes. Still holding up nicely after 72 hours.
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5/24/2017 - kosdogger wrote: 94 Points
Dark, dense wine that is very ripe. If you like Zins, hard to imagine not liking this wine. No rush to open these if you have them but sometimes it is nice to drink zins on the young side. Carlisle is so damn consistent!
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5/22/2017 - Mtnmd1 Likes this wine: 93 Points
A beautiful and wonderful expression of old vine zin. Excellent balance and purity of fruit demonstrated throughout. Tannins and alcohol in check. Hit its stride about an hour after opening.
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4/25/2017 - haldolugr wrote: 89 Points
Deep and complex, with good flavors but this is buried in a tannic grip right now that doesn't easily release.
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4/9/2017 - rdf58 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Deep ruby color. Dark fruit with the usual balanced acidity. Finishes with almost syrah-like meatiness and woodsy notes. 90% Zin but tastes like a higher percentage of old vine mixed blacks.
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2/15/2017 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nose of black cherry. blackberry, plum, and earth, the same on the palate, big body, rich fruit and complexity make this something special to drink, almost elegant, very tasty, enjoy it if you own it, paired with roast beef, great combination, has a long, flavorful finish.
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2/12/2017 - hoservin Likes this wine: 93 Points
Aerated with a Vinturi and decanted for one hour. Aromas of blackberry, cherry, licorice, floral notes, cocoa and spice. Blackberry, cherry, coffee, licorice and vanilla on the palate. Leads to a very long finish. Mouth coating texture, dense with waves of flavor. Full bodied. Served with hamburger, macaroni and cheese.
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2/6/2017 - RobbieC wrote:
PNP, consumed over 4 hours. Dark color. Lovely nose. Dark cherry that's slightly tart. I get the bubble gum and cola that others have noted. At least four other varietals blended in here but still shows hints of the all-spice flavor that I associate with Zinfandel. A bit dark and brooding. Mild tannins. Juicy finish. Very good. CT community score of 93 seems about right.
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1/21/2017 - Randito Likes this wine: 94 Points
Dark layered muscular black cherry fruit, with mocha, some minerality and a long white pepper finish. Excellent Zin!
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12/31/2016 - fredman wrote: 92 Points
Opened this by mistake :0). Only took 15-20 minutes before it started to sing. OK to drink now or to hold.
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12/30/2016 - Drankthewholebottle Likes this wine: 94 Points
Looks pretty and smells great. There's this cola bramble pepper bubble gum thing going on that I find exquisite.
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12/25/2016 - Geoff Likes this wine: 94 Points
Beautiful zin. Great fruit, balance, full bodied but not over the top.
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12/12/2016 - mpricher wrote: 90 Points
Some dried raisin notes, with slightly port like quality. There's depth here and some nice midpalate. Not my preference but I still enjoyed it.
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12/4/2016 - Mootsie Likes this wine: 94 Points
Much better than the bottle we had in April. Shows better on day 2. Nice bramble, pepper and cola notes emerge on day 2. Intense, rich, but balanced wine. Right inline with the Carlisle Zin style. Long decant or hold.
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11/25/2016 - Rktekt3 wrote: 92 Points
Solid wine.
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11/20/2016 - Randito Likes this wine: 93 Points
Black cheery, red raspberry, and some blue fruit, precision blend of zin and other grape varietals. Finishes smooth oak spice.
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9/13/2016 - Mike Dildine Likes this wine: 94 Points
15.8% abv. Dark ruby, expressive aromatics. Beautifully complex red, black and blue fruit flavors, Rey rich, long and deep. Hedonistic and delicious!
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9/3/2016 - WineCPA wrote: 93 Points
This was definitely smoother on day 2. Shows some sweet fruit without being cloying. Black cherry, raspberry, plum. Full bodied and definitely not for the timid.
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8/23/2016 - TC16 wrote: 93 Points
Deep purple, almost murky. Dark berry, allspice, leather, and hint of vanilla. Much better on day 2.
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8/23/2016 - burgbob wrote: 92 Points
Complex wine that tastes like the blend it is. Plush and full bodied with years of life left.
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8/12/2016 - RobbieC Likes this wine:
Fantastic!
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8/9/2016 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nose of black cherry. plum, and blackberry, more of the same on the palate, big body, rich fruit makes this very tasty this evening, at it's peak and will easily last 8 years, tasted delicious when paired with the dark chocolate, salted caramel bar, long. long, flavorful finish.
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8/9/2016 - gr8r84u Likes this wine: 95 Points
Reminds me why I love Carlisle. Delicious fruit hits you right off the bat but without the overpowering alcohol. Sorry I only had one of these but at least I had that.
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4/10/2016 - Mootsie Likes this wine:
Tart black cherry, drying tannins, anise, cocoa, subtle mint and baking spice notes. Drinks young. Hold for another year or two.
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4/8/2016 - cbarrett479 Likes this wine: 96 Points
This might be my favorite Sonoma zinfandel of all time! This beauty marries rich fruit with complexity. You can have it both ways! Though I would not call this an 'elegant' wine. It is dark and muscular with good tannic grip throughout the long finish. Fruit profile is centered on dark berry and black plum. Plenty of spice and hints of minerality to keep things honest.
Superb!
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3/17/2016 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 94 Points
Nose of black fruit, cherry. plum, white pepper, and allspice, more of the same on the palate, very, rich, ripe fruit forward mid palate, tasted delicious, big body, and long, flavorful finish.
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2/29/2016 - Mike Dildine Likes this wine: 93 Points
15.8% abv. Dark purple ruby, expressive aromatics. Red cherry, boysenberries, a little mint, bramble and pepper. Very deep and rich, excellent length. A powerhouse, probably best over the next 4-5 years.
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2/26/2016 - davej Likes this wine: 96 Points
Having been a huge fan of Ridge Pagani over the years I was pleased to finally get an allocation and be able to try the Carlisle. I have to say, for all the power and depth that the Ridge had, this Carlisle Pagani shows a profoundly more complex depth with layers and layers of dark fruits. Blackberry, boysenberry, dark and rich, powerful but at the same time almost elegant. It isn't tame, but it is superbly balanced both in mouthfeel and acidity. The finish echoes the spicy, savory characteristics with plenty of dark fruit and a nice smooth base of tannins. I have to say, the best Pagani I have had in all the years of drinking then. Bravo! Next year my wish list is for a dozen!
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2/1/2016 - Mike Dildine Likes this wine: 93 Points
15.8% abv. Wonderfully deep, rich, long and pure, this is a great expression from this century-plus Sonoma Valley mixed black vineyard. Will continue to improve from here.
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1/8/2016 - Pknut wrote:
Inky blue/black fruit, but not much pepper or spice, not much Zin-ness. Alcohol is well contained. Well made, but seems a bit too polished.
Attorneys Friday wine tasting.
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1/8/2016 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 94 Points
Nose of red and black fruit, warm tea, and sage, more of the same on the palate, rich, ripe fruit tasted delicious, almost elegant, seems simple on the mid palate but is actually a subtle conglomeration of flavors depending which bite of meaty pizza I enjoyed with it, big body, and long, juicy finish.
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12/25/2015 - bubbachumps wrote: 92 Points
Decanted 6 hours, but still very tight. WIll get better with time, but performed well with the decant. Notes of bramble, sandlewood and raspberries. In the mouth, some tannin present. Decent level of acidity. Great wine that will only get better with time.
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12/20/2015 - tomlee wrote: 94 Points
Opaque purple in color. 15.8% ABV. 90% Zinfandel and 10% Mixed Blacks from a Sonoma Valley vineyard planted in 1895. Fresh nose dominated by cool blue and red fruits. Medium to full body with impeccable balance. Rich and silky on the palate. Flavors of blueberry liqueur, raspberries and just a touch of peach. The finish lingers until you are ready for another sip. Delicious Zinfandel to drink over the next 6-8 years.
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12/12/2015 - Bob Sacamano Likes this wine: 92 Points
Splash decanted. Full body. Rich and velvety dark fruit on the palate along with lively acidity, gritty sweetness and spice. No hard edges. Open for business.
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