Opaque dark red color. Meaty, dark fruited nose. Intense dark fruits on the palate. Blackberries, blueberries, grilled meat. This becomes softer and brighter with air, more red-fruited. Smooth tannins, great acidity and balance. Perhaps a touch of heat. Finishes very long with plums and blackberries. I'd drink these up starting now for perhaps 3 more years.
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Near the end of it's life, but not too far off its peak? A very rounded wine, chocolate, leather, substantial fruit. Acidity balanced the Nettle Meadow Kunik cheese at the beginning of the meal and FlourPowerNY espresso brownies at the end.
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Didn't read my previous note before pulling this wine - but ironically, we had a few friends over, and it was beef stew. This wine was the highlight of the evening. We opened with a 2006 Carlisle - and it was fine - but this 2007 showed even better, was both deeper and smoother.
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This is actually my first bottle of this Syrah and it was wonderful. PnP and drank with Meatballs in Thai sauce. This wine had concentrated dark fruit flavors and a nice spiciness. Age has added an elegance and seamless flavor integration. Love this and happy to have one more. Drink or hold.
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This is bottle 11 and a wine that I resourced on a few occasions to keep it around my cellar. However, this is the last bottle I have on hand. FWIW, and for being a big pants vintage for California, this is labeled at 14.1% ABV. I don't smell any booze either. What's here? From an open and pour approach, this has been in the glass 5 mins--that's it. It has that animale/bloody note in the aromatic. The palate? Seems a little softer than I recall, actually seeming now to have shed out the fat and bigger pants of the previous bottles I have written about here. Beautiful balance, flavors of charcoal, juicy cherry, black cherry and refreshing acidity and life in the palate/finish. I hope the wine holds these flavors and improves even more through the next 4 hours when it will be poured blind over dinner. This showed really well over dinner and continues to drink with class. Too bad this was my last bottle.
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Brought this one for consumption at a cabin, with beef stew, after a day of riding in the rain on a remote Appalachian rail trail. It was a definite upgrade from what I'd typically bring for swirling in red solo cups. But the beef stew seemed to demand it. Things didn't start well ... the cork crumbled while trying to extract it. With no other tools, I had to filter each pour through a fork. But all ended well - the wine showed nicely balanced jammy fruit upfront, and it put on some depth with air. CT still says drink by 2016 - but I wouldn't be afraid to hold this one another year or two.
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Big, effusive, layered nose of sweet black fruit, smoked meat, camphor and pronounced spice. Palate is medium-to-full bodied with big black fruit and racy, juicy acidic cut. Terrific lift and persistence. The palate flavors are more straight forward than the exotic, enticing nose. I suspect this will get even better. Amazing for a <$20 appellation syrah! NIGHT 2 ADDENDUM: The aromatics are a bit more subdued but consistent in flavor profile. On the palate there is now more depth of flavor with the black fruit accented by spice, meat and asphalt. Still features lively energy and cut.
Popped and poured. I generally find Carlisle Syrah to be incredibly monolithic and somewhat tough when young. Fortunately, this one has entered its young adulthood. Garnet red color with some bricking at the rim. It has that resolved wine mouth feel and taste while still retaining a core of sweet fruit. Tannin is resolved but there is still acid that keeps the wine fresh and balanced. This is on its maturity plateau right now. Excellent for an appellation wine.
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Opened and drank at room temp, which had to be in the high 70s. Yet, it drank like a champ as it always does. Started off smooth, plush a little chocolate and then by about the third hour it seemed to tighten up. I left the last 1/3rd of the bottle with the restaurant to finish. Delicious again and holding together well.
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Drinking well right now and not sure there is much of an upside left. Good, well made syrah. Nice fruit but not nearly as big as many of the others. Most of the tannins have integrated, plenty of acid to provide lift for the fruit. Nothing too complicated here but plenty to enjoy.
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Really weird experience with this wine. I've not tasted it before, but it seemed pretty different than many notes posted here. This started off with a very prominent aroma of sweet corn and the palate showed very similar. Full mid-palate and long finish with dense fruit throughout.
Very nice middle-of-the-road modern syrah. Well-integrated, it really hit its stride with an hour of air. I would not hold these much longer - I'll be finishing my last bottle in the next couple months.
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Excellent. Dark red and blue fruit flavors with smokey meat aromas. Consistent flavors that wash seamlessly into a lengthy finish. Nice body with wonderful integration of acid and tannin.
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This wine seemed to go through a few phases but has finally settled down after 3 hours of air at cellar temp. A very pure and pretty nose laced with cool blue fruits, bit of tobacco spice, sweet smoked meats, dark red fruits and dried herbs. Lean red fruits in the mouth with a lovely mouthfeel. Dark red fruit, nice integration of acid and tannins. Drinking great with some air time but has the stuffing for more sideways time. I've had this wine a number of times over the past 4 years and it seems to be developing nicely, no harm in holding for further development.
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Carlisle Winemaker Dinner with Mike Officer (Luciana's, Dana Point, CA): I have an emotional attachment to this wine because it was the first Carlisle I ever purchased. It was nice to hear Mike kick off the story of this flight with the comment "I've always really liked this wine." Hey, even FMIII loves this one. Dark fruit and cedar, good acidity and perfect balance. Medium plus finish. Hall of Fame QPR.
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Carlisle In The OC: This has always been a favorite of mine, a wine that I have written about many times in the past and still own several bottles. At $20, just nuts. Even paying 2X that price a year or so back to source a few more, it didn't matter as this is such a great bottle of wine. Bit of funk on the nose, with irion and garrigue. The palate shows more iron, dark chocolate and olive. This is aging well and last night, this also beat the 2007 Papa's Block that we had in the preceding flight.
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Dense color that stains the wine glass. Blackberry and raspberry on palate with a smooth richness that fills the mouth. Some earth and a little spice, well balanced with great mouthfeel.
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Once again a outstanding example of the winemaking skills of Mike Officer. A beautiful balanced combination of fruit, structure and elegance. Very dark and a bit restrained at first but after 30 minutes it really starts to shine. Could easily rival many a Côte Rôtie. Drinks perfectly well now, but should also keep for many more years. Alas this was my last bottle.
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Needed a roadie for a family trip and this was a good choice. A drinker not a thinker. Big, flush, purple/black profile. Throwing a bit of sediment but not a chewy texture. Nothing subtle about it, but well integrated and no sharp edges. Approachable now, which I can't always say about Mike's syrahs. This one is pleasure, not pain.
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Opulent black fruit on the nose, bright delicious fruit on the mouth transitioning to a long finish with balanced tannins. 1 more bottle left in the cellar. Another well made wine by Carlisle.
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This is the first of four bottles I picked up from Wine Bid this summer (at a price that was well above the steal of 20 bucks-ish that I had paid for the prior 9 bottles, which have long been drank!). This wine has been iconic for me given the price/quality relationship, and above all, what it delivers as a total experience. Opened tonight to take to dinner, will bag the bottle to see how my 2 wine buddies take to the wine sans the label. I opened this about 20 mins ago so call this note an early look. Bacon fat and white flower aromas dominate this thing right from the get go--really distinctive. The palate? Still tight, but that is a plus, as it tightens down the staining fruit and gives it some zing, although the iron notes and darker, more plush fruit from this past summer's bottle I expect to see later...so last night over dinner, this ended up being alongside a 2008 Carlisle Papa's Block, which was a nice side by side, both wines showing terrific. The color of this wine tonight, it looks as dark as the fall night sky outside my kitchen. Staining. There is an intensity of iron in the core of this wine, it kind of explodes out from the center, joined by a charcoaled, black fruit. The flowery, bacon aromas fading a bit and now sharing with blood and iron, too--interestingly, much like that of the 2008 Papa's Block from last night. Like the bottle from this past summer, with air the structure and tang softens and the wine becomes more rich, brooding and finishes with a chocolate, iron mix. Drink window? A drink now works and with my stash of 3 left, I figure I will finish these by the end of 2014, maybe early 2015. What makes this wine sing is the opulence and depth, at the sick price it once had. Even at 40 bucks replacement for the last 4, I ain't mad at ya'! Awesome CA syrah, AGAIN!
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Lots of fruit and lots of life left. Got better and more intriguing on the nose after some air - mostly 10-15 minutes because I could keep my hands off of it. Softened nicely the next night.
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Lacked a little complexity compared to svd's but for $20, this is an amazing qpr winner. Deep, inky fruit filled and satisfying. Only 14+% etoh. Just deliciously balanced. Wish I had a case more.
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Have to figure out how I waited 2 years between bottles and see about applying that to other wines in my cellar. I do try and space bottles but I like my wines on the younger side, it's my own preference. This wine was a sick price back in 2009 at $19.50 on the mailing list. There was (and still is) a lot of syrah in this price point that is simply average--lacking color, complexity, acid and missing the passion of the winemaker transformed into the wine. Whatever extent you might know Carlisle or Mike Officer, he's passioned, he's committed to his wines, determined and this 2007 shows these qualities, ever moreso that he took a wine this good and sold it for what is theft for those of us who bought it. So to the wine...this wine has softened up some since I last had it, and the structure (IMO) is beginning to fold into the wine finally. While it still shows some beautiful iron in the aromatic and moreso into the palate, and remains inky and staining, it has now come into its own with balance. And, there's no heat here, which makes this wine that much better: you get all the color, tremendous palate presence and finish, but sans the boozy signature. The fruit is exhibiting the softening too, showing a polished black feel, yet there is acid present so it doesn't get flabby or tiring, which comes across as a blueberry skin, with a hint of tartness. It then finishes with tar, black cherry, blueberry, charcoal and licorice. As much as I herald the insane QPR of the Rivers-Marie SC pinot every year for $25, this Carlisle is in the same league. As to drink window, that acid hangs around so I think this wine will head for another 3-4 years. For certain, the best RRV syrah Mike has ever made, iconic and a triumph of CA syrah.
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Decanted 3+ hours at cellar temp prior to this note. At opening its very flashy, creamy, fat and luscious. After three hours of air this wine unwinds and starts to show that its serious and built for some sideways time. Very savory nose with beef drippings, sweet smoke, high toned pepper and toast. Underneath all of the meat and smoke is a blue fruited wine, round and rich with some sweetness on the nose. Palate is linear, red fruited, rich yet balanced. Entry starts with some dark red fruit, oak char and spice. Through the middle it transitions to some dark black fruit, road tar, more pepper, gritty tannins and balanced acid. I wouldn't call it modern but its domestic and wears its style proudly but it's got enough complexity and structure to keep me interested. My last bottle was January and it hasn't budget since, still drinking great and holding up perfectly, hands down best Carlisle I've had.
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Very nice! Beautiful garnet colour. Cool and elegant Syrah. Very well made. Great balance and structure. Drinks well now, but should continue to evolve. Carlisle consistently offer great wines thanks to the skilled winemaking by Mike Officer - looking forward to visiting next month.
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Certainly a crowd pleaser at our Christmas Eve dinner with relatives. Drinking well now but no need to rush with last bottle. A P&P worked well but an hour decant may work even better. A terrific QPR that we enjoyed very much.
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Great fruit, with a little meatiness and sanguine. Somewhat simple/one dimensional without much depth, but a great value at $25. Have another bottle that I'll keep until next year.
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Note on day 2. Plums and licorice on the nose. Dark stewed fruits on the palate. Throws a bunch of sediment. Lacking a bit of precision - probably better on the first night.
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Has opened up a bit since the last time. Full bodied and the inclusion of some whole clusters has really made this complex. Decanted for two hours- has a way to go. Try to hold on to the last one for a few years, but at $25- who cares; what a deal!
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Poured into a decanter and swirling to hope open the wine. Poured after about 15 minutes. Vibrant purple that was so dense that it stained the wine glasses after sitting during dinner. Dense long legs. Raspberry and blackberry leap from the glass. Great red and black fruit on the palate with some earthy spiceness. I was surprized to see sediment in my glass as the evening progresses. Wonderful dense wine that clearly can benift from more time in the cellar.
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A great showing. Blue and black fruits, some ore/earthy note, spice chocolate and meaty notes. There is still a lot of structure and fruit here so while it is drinking great for my tastes right now, it should drink well for a few years yet. Really sorry this was my last bottle. Thanks to Mike O for being generous with their pricing on this one too.
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I've been very good about keeping my hands off of these for the last couple of years and I was rewarded. Had a slight challenge with the cork, it was very soft and snapped on half on the first pull. I was decanting so I punched in the remainder and dumped through a screen. Color is very dark but vibrant purple core. Legs are thick and dark color, this wine has kankles. The heat is completely gone and the wine is nicely integrated. The aromatics are bold and sturdy. Dark fruit and black olive with a wrapper of sage brush. Long finish with a heavy mouthfeel. There is no great rush to drink these, they aren't going anywhere but up from here as they transition from rough and tumble to maturity.
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You can talk all you want about the flavor profile of a wine but the real test is if without realizing you drink it all which is what i just did. This is just plain delicious wine. The fact that is is such a good value is part of what defines Mike as a winemaker. There is absolutely nothing fancy or pretentious about any Carlisle wine. Just consistent quality far above what any sane human would expect at this (or any) price point. Thanks Mike for another winner.
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I was looking forward to trying this as I haven't had one in about a year. This is probably my favorite Carlisle of all time, moderate alcohol, great balance and lovely fruit. Super dark black and purple color with no sins of letting up at the edges. Throwing a bit of sediment so some decanting might be in order. Nose is stacked with fresh roasted coffee beans, meat drippings, creamy red and black fruits with dried herbs and a touch of cocoa powder. Evenly distributed palate, not too thick or heavy in any part. Bottle sweet red fruits, toasty oak, tobacco, smoked meats, pepper, spice and everything nice. Even from front to back with great balance of tannin, fruit, oak and acid. Don't get me wrong, this is CA 100% but it is a fine effort and still remains my to Carlisle to date. I really don't care for the zins and petite syrahs but this is something special.
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Last bottle of this (last tasted 10/1/10). Nose: The tree moss still present with tar, mint, and clay hints. Palate: Very soft and integrated at this point with the acid folded in (JVP homage) and dark fruits with a swift decay but good sustain of the finish. For the base bottling of Carlisle Syrah this has aged very well.
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Seems to finally be fleshing out when compared to the previous bottle 6 months ago. This bottle was also throwing a bit of sediment. Intoxicating dark fruited nose, palate seems a bit more leaner and less heavy with most of the primary characteristics still intact. This is fun to drink now with a good decant and should continue to improve for a few more years.
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Very good showing. Deep fruit with some spice and savory elements. Structure has pulled together since last bottle over a year ago and it seems to be entering its drinking window. Great value.
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Finally made the Carlisle mailing list after several years of waiting (and buying here and there at retail since 2001), so popped this from my stash to celebrate. It's been probably close to two years since I've cracked a bottle and this has definitely settled down a bit. Dark purple with a meaty blackberry nose. Shows nicely on the front end, balancing ripe berries with hints of bacon fat, but a bit thin in the midpalate and still with firm tannins on the finish. The structure is there to suggest this could still improve, but the slightly hollow middle makes me wonder about this wine's longevity. Still a very nice syrah for about $20, and though unmistakably California in style, not at all over the top.
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Open about a day, details for this note are with the wine at room temp. Still pretty tight the next day, although there is enough mid-palate stuffing to reflect the weight but the wine is a bit short on the finish. Gardenia blossom aromatic, with a good core of spicy, blue and black fruit, some herb/garrigue notes add that bit of zesty edge to the fruit. With the zesty finish, comes some chocolate and anise. Not ready to drink yet and while not full of big tannin, there is enough zesty structure here to suggest the wine can sit another 12-18 months and then drink 2012-2015.
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14.1% alcohol. This remains a meaty, earthy, somewhat brooding wine with terrific complexity. Black and blue fruit on the nose, with pepper and earth notes. In the mouth, a meaty edge comes with the fruit profile, along with a bite of pepper. Structured, focused, and terrifically balanced, this is brawny without being unrefined. It's a striking wine that has continued to get better with age. A-
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Deep, dark inky purple color. Blackberries, fresh ground black pepper, smoked meat, vanilla, flowers, and baking spices on the nose. Medium to full body with solid tannins and good acidity. Big and powerful on the palate, loads of pepper upfront with the fruit fruit underneath before the spicy oak kicks in, a bit of an herbal element creeps in on the finish. Big and bold, but seems to be missing some of the normal Carlisle richness. This is you and with some proper cellar time it should come around. Good now, better down the line.
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Best wine I've had in a week. Went really well after dinner with an oatmeal cookie of all things. Pure, unadulterated RRV Syrah, with laser-focused dark fruit flavors, and excellent structure to keep it from even hinting at gloppy or overdone. Yet another feather in Mike Officer's cap (and I believe this is a totally affordable wine, under $20). (PE: 91)
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A lot like the 06 black fruit pops out followed quickly by creosote and smokey fire. Soft mouthfeel, closed.. put in decanter and eventually it opened up.
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Big dark fruit with some Syrah stylings as noted below, but this one worked for me, the best of the cheaper Carlisle Syrah's I've had to date. Doesn't have a lot of lift but nor was it ponderous due to its harmonious acidity. Best on day 2.
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Popped and poured. Very tight at first. Opened nicely after 45 minutes. Black cherries, herbs and earth on the nose. Very dark fruit and a touch of licorice on the finish. Big tannins - I think this wine will continue to improve for years to come. Great QPR.
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Decanted close to three hours prior to this note. Right upon opening this was extremely tannic, dark and unforgiving. After some air time the wine really started to open up. Extremely dark color, ruby edges with a black core. Wonderful nose of roasted meats, grilled beef drippings, cigar shavings, black baking chocolate, freshly ground white pepper, a bit of road tar and creosote. Nose continues to evolve with roasted espresso beans, dark cocoa, a touch of creamy toasted oak, black berries, hint of raspberries and some creme de casis. Medium body with drying tannins on the back end. Still rather tight and locked up on the palate. Nice dark fruits, cigar smoke, darker fruit profile on the palate, stacked with fruit, more of a meaty character and a bit of minerality. This is a wonderful CA syrah with a touch of old world character to it. Great wine that will continue to age for many more years.
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Decanted for an hour and a half. Deep, dark, inky purple color. Intoxicating nose with smoked meat, pepper, blackberries, blueberries, licorice, vanilla, baking spices, and a nice floral note. Medium to full body with solid, ripe tannins and good acidity. Big and chewy on the palate with the fruit more in a complimentary roll to the savory elements. Decent length on the finish with pepper and some stems. This needs more time to help fill out the finish and to help the stems better integrate. Good now, better in a couple years.
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had to open a second bottle. stellar qpr! not a whole lot going on, but a mouthful of goodness with a great mouthfeel. give at least an hour after double decant.
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After an hour decant this syrah was very tasty. Not very complex but still a wine that is drinking great and has a very nice mouthfeel. It may improve over the next 1-2 years but why wait its so good now. An incredible QPR.
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Burgers and Spades with Ken and Kelly: Tasted Blind. Big and rich. Black and blue fruits with some charcoal notes and faint vanilla. Great balance of acidity and tannins. Excellent length. I really liked this. I have to say I admire Mike for selling this for $20 bucks. Its almost crazy. He is right- I have not had a better california syrah for the price. No need to hurry with these and I will try to hold my last bottle for a couple of years.
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This is more like it. This bottle was fantastic, although it needed 90 minutes to open. Dark inky color to the wine. After decanting, the nose was beautiful, dark fruit, oak, a definite gamey (raw meat) quality to it and a bit of earth. Medium-Full bodied on the palate where the fruit just burst through and made this such a joy to drink. All of this leading to a long, (somewhat spicy) finish with great balance of tannins (which are starting to integrate) and acid (which really kept this from getting heavy and made me coming back for more.) This wine was wonderful and will continue to get better for a little while longer.
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Right upon opening this had an immensely dark color. Great nose of pepper, toasty oak, smoked meats, beef blood and garrigue. Palate is plush and round with a great tannin structure and ample fruit to round it out. Blue and black fruits with road tar, creme de casis, melted licorice, cinnamon, nutmeg and Asian spices. Great body and a dense mouthfeel, polished tannins, pronounced oak and alcohol in check. One of the best Cali syrah's money can buy and a steal at $20.
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14.1% ABV. Partially translucent dark garnet in the glass with a bit of magenta at the rim. Somewhat nutty coffee nose with background smoky berry. Medium full bodied with a melange of black fruit, but overall this bottle seemed a little more savory and closed than some of my earlier bottles. I checked Mike's drinking window and he actually recommended consuming this one after 2012, which I was surprised to see. I wonder if it is going through a phase? It was really delicious in its youth (and not bad now).
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14.1% alcohol. Dark ruby red. Expressive black fruit aromas. On the palate, very rich, very balanced and very delicious blackberry, pepper and spice. A luxurious wine. Lingering aftertaste.
Rumor has it that Carlisle has an offering later this week. I thought it prudent to check this producer out first. I'm a buyer!
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Great nose of blue fruit, soy sauce and carmel, with undertones of meat and smoke. Plum, raspberry and smokiness initially. Transitions mid-palate to plum, brush sticks and bog in the mouth. Backbone of tanin on the finish. Acidity most noticeable on midpalate.
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Great nose of white pepper, anise, Asian spices, bacon drippings and smoked ham. A completely smoked meat driven nose with cool creamy black and blue fruits. Creamy mouthfeel with drying tannins and a full bodied finish. A bit tougher at this stage than the 2006's but a bit more depth and complexity. This is a great wine with promise but needs a bit more time.
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14.1% ABV. Dark black garnet, opaque and a bit inky still. Complex floral and black olive nose. Rich and concentrated with sweet black fruit and a retronasal notion of roasting coffee and BBQ spice. Great wine.
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Such a bummer. This wine's color is so amazing and reading my notes from my first bottle had me fired up but this wine had such a strong nose of wet cardboard I couldn't help but think it flawed. Such a bummer, I decanted and waited a few hours but still just the cardboard nose with very muted flavors.
Open in the bottle for three hours. The color is a lovely royal vibrant purple. Almost opaque at the center the rim shows hints of dark cranberry red. Rich complex and heavily layered nose of dark blackberries, plums, currant preserves, smoked meat, charred oak, medium dark soy sauce and school yard blacktop. A big wine. More dark robust red fruit dominate the palate paired with more smokey meat and a solid finish. There is plenty distinguished grip and acidity showing the super young state of this juice. Alcohol is well in check at only 14.1%, a low count for this style of wine - the lush mouthfeel is great. Very nice. Lots of potential. Give this another 5-7 years in bottle.
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This wine is coming along nicely - still showing some floral/underbrush quality but out of the bottle the nose leans more toward meaty and almost nutty elements. The oak seems less prominent than it did last year. This wine is still quite intense in the glass but after leaving a glass out overnight, it's very smooth and quite enjoyable at lunch the next day; I suspect the sweet spot at this point is probably in the 6-10 hr range of decanting right now. Wonderful for the price. Originally rated 91.
Update: this wine is still showing beautifully on night 4 after refrigeration. Each time I've had it, it has made me wonder whether I ever need to spend more for syrah than the $20ish price for this - it's that good. Upgrading to 92 based on how well it has blossomed and held up on subsequent nights.
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14.1% alcohol. Striking contrast drinking this next to the Dry Creek. This is more meaty, more earthy, with blacker fruit notes. It's somewhat more brooding, too. Peppery, meaty, and complex, with delicious fruit. Strong structure, both in terms of acidity and tannin. But delicious. A-
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I really don't know what to make of this wine. The nose was muted, so was the palate. I have a feeling it may have been corked but I really can't be too sure. My brother-in-law sorta felt the same way, he still killed the bottle, because he's a drunkard (and that's NOT a bad thing...) I have two more and will open one soon just to see the comparison. Dissapointing as we wanted to pair this with the Flannery Hanger steak...
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Had at Mem and Laz in Islingtion with Emma's co-workers. Dark purple. Good viscosity. Great perfume of dark fruit. Full bodied. Long finish. Classic California syrah. The others at the table really liked it and wanted to know more. I often get that reaction when I open a Carlisle. Excellent.
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Another smokin' good Carlisle. Probably would be better in a couple years, but it's so good, so full of ripe fruit now that it's hard to keep my hands off. Dark fruits, some black cherry, ink, good balance, and a decent finish. (PE: 95)
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As I stared longingly at this bottle of inky purple goodness, a tear trickled down my cheek as I realized it was my final bottle. Someone once said, "All good things must come to an end." F#@k that person as he had never had a $19.50 bottle of wine this good. I always secretly hope my bottles of Carlisle are crap (well, not really) since everyone and their mother gush about this winery, but alas, they are always freakin' tasty. A tip of my sweaty University of Washington golf cap to you, Mr. Officer. Oh yeah, the wine...Dark and brooding purple, accented by ruby edges, this wine gets all up in your nostrils and invades your personal space. Smoked bacon, violets, berry jam, blackberries, pepper, and asian spice announce that you are about to enjoy yourself. Full bodied (not in an 18th century rubenesque sort of way but in a 21st century healthy Jennifer Connelly sort of way) but not overly dense, this wine has a certain lift that's hard to explain. It just simply awakens your taste buds. Bright blue and black fruit fill your mouth to the rim and you actually fight swallowing (insert proverbial wife joke here), but when you do, the sticky tannins and hints of receding oak balance the ripe fruit perfectly and what you are left with is the feeling of pure drinking pleasure. When I was 19, pure drinking pleasure was MGD and Cuervo Gold and now, it's 2007 Carlisle RRV Syrah! 93pts.
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Cheers to the Record Snowfall (Roberts House): It was quite a shift going from pinot to this. plum, chocolate, sweet black fruit -- a blackberry liqueur or pie filling. medium finish. A great value at $20 price point.
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14.1% ABV. Inky in the glass. Dark fruit with a background of reticent smoke, and meaty coffee. Rich seamless dark fruit on the palate. Outstanding again.
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8 months since the last bottle. P/P last night, remained in bottle o/night, with 24 o/night being the basis for this TN. Color remains quite dark, which is one of the aspects I like in syrah, including this one--glass stainer. Has some SLH features, like a hint of citrus (less so than SLH but it's there), a meaty note and lots of dark black and blue fruit, all adding to a medium weight palate. Some new oak in the bouquet still, along with some olive and hint of flower. Has some tar, blue-fruited acidity and bittersweet chocolate on the finish. Like what others have stated and my own past comments, there is still some tannic tension in the finish so this wine should improve and fold together more as the structure blends in. Drinking window I'd offer is mid 2010-2012.
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Soft nose showing notes of fresh paint, vanilla, wood and berry sauce with a touch of meat. Fat thick and sweet Raspberry palate. While not really in my 'wheel house' this certainly delivers well above it's price point. There are a lot of very similar wines that go for upwards of 4 times the price of this one.
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I think I have a slightly off bottle(based on other reviews)- I do get tar and smoke on the nose with some strewed fruit. Super dark inky color. Wine is a little hot and has blown off a little as the night has gone on. However, I do not get the blue fruits at all. I do get very ripe red raspberries and black fruits. And at 14.1% I do taste the Alc. Good acid and tannins. A good QPR at $20- but not super wowing. I wouldn't say the wine is shut down- I would say it is a more in your face over the top CA wine that needs to mellow and "cool" down.
Will update with tomorrow notes.
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A dark inky wine that is low in acid and very easy to drink...almost too easy! Showing violets, blackbery, blueberries all nicely framed in sweet tannins. A great wine.
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Holy QPR. Inky, dark purple. Nose of dark fruits, smoke, vanilla and maybe pepper. Palate added a floral component with moderate tannins and acidity. A touch rustic but this made it that much better. Really balanced wine enjoyed by all.
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14.1% ABV. This is a bottle I purchased at retail. I've noticed that these bottles have generally seemed a little off compared to the bottles I got directly from the winery. Deeply colored, opaque and inky in the glass. Aromas of dark fruit with a reticent smoke, meat, and coffee undercurrent. Rich dark fruit on the palate. Slightly chewy with good length. Really good, but not as nuanced and fresh as the bottles I received directly from Mike. Awesome QPR.
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Hard to tell that this was Syrah. Everything was polished. It’s certainly a well made wine, but not very distinctive. I would have like a little more character.
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14.1% alcohol. Decanted. Deep red color, like pomegranate. Sumptuous nose of brilliant blue and black fruits, with a meaty edge to the earth and pepper notes. In the mouth, this has become more brawny over the past six months. Still plush and delicious fruit, with a plum note added to the blue and black fruit, and great complexity led by briary pepper. Strong acidity and quite ripe tannins. Deliciious. A-
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I don't find this nearly as open or ready as the other tasters have noted. Lots of oak and shut down, these comments are after 90 min decant and drank over 4 hrs. Hold.
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Wow! There's sure a lot of love for this wine on CT. Sorry, I just don't get it but I'm willing to wait. This is tight and tannic right now and with that and the new french oak aren't we all getting a little carried away here? As I have said before - when it comes to Carlisle Greenblanket is usually first in line for the Kool-Aid - but this is a big frosty pitcher of bitter tannin and stems at this point. I have faith in this winemaker and he has said 2012 to 2020 on this one.
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Popped and poured. Big fruit and excellent structure with approachable tannins. This was drinking well and should be even better down the road. Glad to have a bunch more to enjoy in the future.
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This was stellar - wonderful dark fruit, beautiful balance and acidity and a long finish. These 2007s are really starting to blossom, and they were great to start with!
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Mid-Fall Wine Tasting (Down's Lake): Tight and not very appealing initially, but what a transformation this went through over the course of the evening. Ultimately, WOTF for the syrahs. Exquisitely balanced, rich but not overpowering. Day 2 - maintains the richness while developing some Mediterranean herb and olive notes that I hadn't detected the first night.
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14.1% ABV. Deeply colored. Inky. Complex floral syrah fruit nose. Rich and concentrated with ripe boysenberry fruit and a little coffee background. Delicious QPR. I think this could age a couple years without any problems, but I can't keep my hands off them they taste so good now.
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Pop and poured, drank over a couple of hours. The back label wasn't kidding about the inky purple / glass staining ability of the wine. It has great density and fruit. However like the last bottle it was rather goopy, plummy, and primary. Tannins weren't bothering me at all, but its monolithic nature did.
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14.1% alc...frankly I think this wine is in a in-between phase...the nose went from dark compote, to blueberry/smokey syrah essence, to shutdown in a matter of a little over an hour...the texture is what I would expect from 15.5%+, there is plenty of extract, outrageous balance and this thread of minerality that runs through the center of the palate, through the finish - this is found in Chablis for me, Priorat, some Ribera del Duero - high elevation schiste, limestone soils. This is Russian River - I doubt any of those traits? I know it's not high elevation. This isn't typical CA Syrah - staggeringly different with that minerality. I really like this wine.
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This was a disappointment. Perhaps drunk too early, but the wine was simple and undistinguished. I am sure my expectations were raised by recent notes and although the wine was only $20, there are other wines I'd rather be drinking. It's likely that the my disappointment was highlighted by a much better recent experience with the 2006 Carlisle Dry Creek Syrah. It may just be that am I less enamored with RRV syrahs.
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14.1% ABV. Popped and poured. Deeply colored with a bright magenta rim. Coats the glass when swirled. Slight smoke/tar/coffee note on the nose. Dark fruit. This bottle was slightly more closed and showing a bit more tannin than previous bottles, but very tasty nonetheless. I think I will be decanting my young Carlisle Syrahs for the next few tastes.
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This was a very interesting wine experience. When first poured it was extremely dark and tannic and very mouthfilling, but it showed very little complexity. I wasn't able to identify too many flavors, but it was powerful. After 2-3 hours of decanting it changed dramatically to reveal strawberry jam, a bit of licorice, and a herbal quality and it was actually a bit restrained. I highly recommend a long decant on this one. If you were to blind taste this wine upon opening and compare it to 2-3 hours in the glass you'd never identify it as the same wine.
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Full-bodied blackberry fruit with toasty, roasted coffee bean, and olive flavors, ample tannins, very good structure, ok finish, slightly one-dimensional but an excellent value
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14.1% ABV. Deeply colored with an electric magenta rim. Opaque. Blackberry nose initially, then unfolding to reveal some smoky roasting coffee beans. Rich, with layers of black berry fruit and more smoky coffee retro-nasal. Delicious QPR.
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Absolutely no question about the qpr on this one as it just doesnt get better for $20. That said this is not one of my favorite Carlisles to date. It has the fruit, density, concentration thats expected of the brand. There is a bit of something, almost very Olive like, that in one sense makes it interesting, but takes a bit away at the same time. I go back and forth from liking it and thinking too much about it. This one needs some time though and is rather structured and tannic now. I dont think these are over oaked, but I did get quite a bit after switching to this from a simple and nice 07 cdr. I bought 8 but will definately wish I'd bought more once they are gone.
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Delicious, but a little basic. It’s got good fruit, but little soul. It tastes like it could be from anywhere.
On the nose, it was explosive with red and black fruit. Blackberries, raspberries, and cassis with maybe a tiny hint of mushroom, but not much. On the attack, it’s mouthfilling with good fruit, and this great, bright acidity like a light bulb. This wine really makes your mouth water. On the mid-palate, it’s a little weak, and all that fruit just sort of dissipates. It’s just a tad short on the finish, but it leaves you with this odd desire to take another sip – must be the acid. This is really tasty stuff, it’s just not overly complex. It was a surprisingly good match for lighter summer fare, though
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Awesome qpr...Great on opening, complex dark fruits, earth on the nose just great but as the night went on turned a little simplistic and one dimensional but was still very delicious.
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Dark, almost black in the glass - maybe the darkest wine I've ever had. On the nose, dark fruits, vanilla oak, and herby lavender/floral aromatics. On the palate, strong primary fruit, significant tasty oak that is reasonably balanced, and peppery spice and more lavender. A very nice mix that works well already. Will be hard to not touch my other bottle of this before it really reaches maturity. A rocking QPR. Would like to compare this side by side with Copain Tous Ensemble syrah sometime. Must. Get. More. 91+
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Dark, rich, great fruit and nice complexity. Under $20? Are you kidding me? Glad I have 4 more. This wine I'd agree is still not fully open for business. Close enough for my palate but to think this gets better is pretty insane. One last note, the color on this wine is as dark as I've seen. Great stuff.
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Crazy dark, almost a black hole of a wine that has added a lot more syrah traits than my last bottle a few months ago. Ripe and succulent blackberries, slightly roasted quality, viscous in texture, a little vanilla shavings all add up to a more than solid showing. My last bottle. Maybe next time I can keep my paws of these for a spell.
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A long weekend in Seaside, OR; 6/5/2009-6/7/2009 (Seaside, OR): This wine smells huge. Big blackberry and vanilla aromas. The purity of the fruit really comes through on the palate. We drank this wine outside on the deck at a cooler temperature than I previously did, and the heat was not noticeable. Great mouthfeel and a very long finish. I should have bought a lot more of this than I did.
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Casual night @ PMC's (Franklin, MA): This bottle was a conundrum in a glass. Deep, dark, blood red in color. Huge aromas of sweet red fruit, vanilla, savory spices and toasty oak. Sadly, in th mouth it was shy and one-noted. Medium-bodied but ripe. It simply fades after gulping it down. Very little aftertaste. Had been opened for about 8 hours. May have been going through a "dumb" phase. Would try again in the future.
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This induced a Thursday-night smile for me. Inky with an aromatic suggestion of lavender. Dark berry fruit with nuances of smoke and tar. Perhaps a little earth or wood late. Highly enjoyable.
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Dense ruby purple. Very primary and monolithic on the first day, mostly showing smooth ripe (a little plummy) fruit. On day 2, the fruit became more balanced and restraint and generally a much better wine as I'm getting a little more complexity. At this point in time I feel this is very good juice, but just lacks depth.
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Well, the rumors are true...a great QPR! Hard to beat at $20. Inky dark, nice acidity, and broad across the palate (no thinness here). The bit of spicy "tang" was also welcomed w/the tenderloin we enjoyed with the bottle. Very happy to have 12 (make that 11) bottles.
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Too soon. I wanted to try it since I found some extra at a local retailer and my allocation is already at the offsite. Popped and poured over the course of four hours. The deep purple color had a glow of garnet! The nose initially reminded me of a Turley Zin with a little dust to it... This wine is packed with lots of black/blue fruits and some spice that were not giving up much. On the back end there was a slight bitterness (tar?). This will be worth another look a year plus down the road, maybe two.
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Never head a Carlisle that appeared closed after drinking one several months ago that was quite open and full of dark fruits. Current bottle with very reticent nose and mostly mineral and spice, not much fruit up-front. Palate also holding back and not giving much even after 2 days. Would hold these for at least another year.
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Inky eggplant color (truely amazing) which stains the decantor and glass like paint. Hot nose and heat on the back of the throat on opening and the wine clings to the side of the glass like motor oil. A fruit nose with a bit of wood/oak. After decanting tannins and tartness subsided. A nice 30 seconded fishish. I'm off to buy more...
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This very young syrah looks like boysenberry syrup. Dark and viscous. I had this over 2 days. I first smelled iron, stems, flowers and red fruit. On the second day I thought boysenberry syrup over a bed of rocks. The texture is silky with the middle being heavy, viscous and slightly hot. On the second day weight had eased up and the wine was brighter and livelier. A monster syrah that it fairly monolithic at this stage. The price leads you to think it could be an early drinker but for me this need time ... and not just a few years. If I can afford the cellar space, I'll wait at least 4 years. My hope is that this monster finds some elegance. 88-89 pts
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This was very good juice. The color was purple and almost opaque. The nose was filled with dark berries, some underbrush, and leather. The body was medium, the tannins soft, length good, and fruit juicy. The wine was a pleasure to drink.
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Similar in quality and character to the SC Zin. Dark as night. Fruity, forward, but also refreshing with nice acidity. Not heavy. A bit spicy and great with lamb chops.
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Decanted 1 hour in a mag decanter. Nose: Initially after pop & pour very closed tight nose. Then after some air complex aromas of charcoal, tar, graphite and brine salt. After more air faint rapsberry, blackberry and mint leaf aromas emerge. Palate: Big tannins and acid yet still light on it's feet. Flavors of black and white pepper with the charcoal, tar and salt present. The finish is med-length and very clean with no rough edges. This wine is a baby and it will be interesting to see the other bottles evolve. My first Carlisle and now I see what all the fuss is about. Bravo Mike Officer & Jay Maddox!
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Clear, super dark saturated purple. Clean, medium plus intensity aromas of meats, blackberry, smoke, tar and herbs. Medium acidity, medium tannin, medium plus body. Flavors match aromas with more blackberry, smoke, herbs, plum. Finishes very smooth. Far too young, but had to try one. Among the best values in the market. Considerable room for improvement as the wine comes together over the next 6 months.
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I could drink cases of this wine, i really dig it. Commenting on what Todd offered when I opened the wine, "that stuff looks like neon purple". The color is truly a feature of the wine, and it stains the glass like a petite--it's truly that dark. Still really young but this wine will really become something down the road once it settles and for the price, my god.
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Nose of vanilla, cured meat, and blackberry. Dark, dark in color. Purple bubbles. Thick and juicy, but kinda wound up right now. Nevertheless, this was guzzled quickly at our party.
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Black as niht on the nose, intresting syrah aromatics on the nose, though still to yet fully blossom. Tight and tannic, but the underlying quality is there, no question. Hold for short spell, and I bet this improves substantially.
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Not as good as the 05 RRV that I had last night. The fruit is here of course but this one just needs some time to round out. Not very complex right now and actually fairly tannic after a glass. Still a good deal @ $20.
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14.1% alcohol. Really, it was almost a shame I even drank this. It's so young. But, damn, it is so good. Opened two hours before serving but not decanted. Purple/black color. Soaring nose of blue fruit, spice, and a touch of meatiness. Tight on the palate, but still giving quite a bit of fruit. The finish clamps down with serious tannins. This is so clearly a terrific wine; it just needs time. At least a year. Carlisle is such a QPR winner. A-
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Deep, dark purple color. Glass staining purple on the first swirl. Wow. Lots of blackberry and vanilla on the nose. The palate was full of dark fruits with just a little heat. It was hard to believe how big the mouthfeel was on this wine, but it still had a silky texture. This could use a lot more time to rest. What a great value! Tasted this next to an 06 Carlisle Sonoma. I liked the Sonoma better today, but after this wine has some more bottle age, it might be a different story.
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This is a darkkkkk wine. Stains like a petite. Right out of the bottle, flowers and fruit. Tasting primary, very much like a barrel sample with dark grapey fruit and some light mineral. The wine is tight and closed up, no shock but on the heels of finishing the 2005 Carlisle Dry Creek syrah, stayed with the theme. Wait at least 12-18 months. Has much promise but needs time. Overnight, the wine shows better, no surprise. The palate is more accessible and giving.Despite the dark color and nice core and flush of blueberry fruit, I would describe this wine with a medium + body, as the acidity and moderate weight make it such. For the price ($19.50) and for CA syrah drinkers, I can't see how this wine would finish anything short of a Top 3 QPR list. Plzd I have 4 bottles left and won't open the next one until the 09 holiday season.
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Very dark red/purple in color -- expected this wine to be overwhelming, but it was a bit more sophisticated and refined. Nice acidity present, with subtle flavors of blueberry, black cherry and licorice. Should age gracefully.
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Gorgeous deep purple color, typical Carlisle aromas of dark fruits ( I can't tell between blackberry/boysenberry/black raspberry) with a spicy and floral element. The palate carries through with an additional mineral component. Full bodied with a long finish. Carlisle does it again.
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1/2/2022 - dsimmons Likes this wine:
My last bottle of this wine drunk with pork roast and sauerkraut. Plenty of fruit and good balance. Probably a bit past peak. Drink.
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11/21/2021 - Charlie C Likes this wine: 90 Points
Opaque dark red color. Meaty, dark fruited nose. Intense dark fruits on the palate. Blackberries, blueberries, grilled meat. This becomes softer and brighter with air, more red-fruited. Smooth tannins, great acidity and balance. Perhaps a touch of heat. Finishes very long with plums and blackberries. I'd drink these up starting now for perhaps 3 more years.
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6/27/2020 - rldixon Likes this wine: 92 Points
Near the end of it's life, but not too far off its peak? A very rounded wine, chocolate, leather, substantial fruit. Acidity balanced the Nettle Meadow Kunik cheese at the beginning of the meal and FlourPowerNY espresso brownies at the end.
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11/15/2019 - Adventr.us wrote:
Didn't read my previous note before pulling this wine - but ironically, we had a few friends over, and it was beef stew. This wine was the highlight of the evening. We opened with a 2006 Carlisle - and it was fine - but this 2007 showed even better, was both deeper and smoother.
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5/16/2019 - drrobvino wrote: 89 Points
Delicious Syrah, brought to a seminar and consumed with friends.
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12/24/2018 - dsimmons Likes this wine: 94 Points
This is actually my first bottle of this Syrah and it was wonderful. PnP and drank with Meatballs in Thai sauce. This wine had concentrated dark fruit flavors and a nice spiciness. Age has added an elegance and seamless flavor integration. Love this and happy to have one more. Drink or hold.
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7/3/2018 - Ed B wrote: 94 Points
PnP at a restaurant. No detailed notes. Mature, with nice spice.
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6/16/2018 - dhammer53 wrote:
Drank this with family at The Cookery in Dobbs Ferry NY. Really dark color. Still tastes good for one of my older Carlisles. Drink or hold.
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1/19/2017 - Frank Murray III wrote:
This is bottle 11 and a wine that I resourced on a few occasions to keep it around my cellar. However, this is the last bottle I have on hand. FWIW, and for being a big pants vintage for California, this is labeled at 14.1% ABV. I don't smell any booze either. What's here? From an open and pour approach, this has been in the glass 5 mins--that's it. It has that animale/bloody note in the aromatic. The palate? Seems a little softer than I recall, actually seeming now to have shed out the fat and bigger pants of the previous bottles I have written about here. Beautiful balance, flavors of charcoal, juicy cherry, black cherry and refreshing acidity and life in the palate/finish. I hope the wine holds these flavors and improves even more through the next 4 hours when it will be poured blind over dinner. This showed really well over dinner and continues to drink with class. Too bad this was my last bottle.
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9/30/2016 - wino121 wrote: 93 Points
Massive, austere, balanced, beautiful.
No sign of age.
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4/22/2016 - Adventr.us wrote: 90 Points
Brought this one for consumption at a cabin, with beef stew, after a day of riding in the rain on a remote Appalachian rail trail. It was a definite upgrade from what I'd typically bring for swirling in red solo cups. But the beef stew seemed to demand it. Things didn't start well ... the cork crumbled while trying to extract it. With no other tools, I had to filter each pour through a fork. But all ended well - the wine showed nicely balanced jammy fruit upfront, and it put on some depth with air. CT still says drink by 2016 - but I wouldn't be afraid to hold this one another year or two.
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2/7/2016 - Nanda wrote: 92 Points
Big, effusive, layered nose of sweet black fruit, smoked meat, camphor and pronounced spice. Palate is medium-to-full bodied with big black fruit and racy, juicy acidic cut. Terrific lift and persistence. The palate flavors are more straight forward than the exotic, enticing nose. I suspect this will get even better. Amazing for a <$20 appellation syrah! NIGHT 2 ADDENDUM: The aromatics are a bit more subdued but consistent in flavor profile. On the palate there is now more depth of flavor with the black fruit accented by spice, meat and asphalt. Still features lively energy and cut.
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11/24/2015 - EhrlichDY wrote: 91 Points
Popped and poured. I generally find Carlisle Syrah to be incredibly monolithic and somewhat tough when young. Fortunately, this one has entered its young adulthood. Garnet red color with some bricking at the rim. It has that resolved wine mouth feel and taste while still retaining a core of sweet fruit. Tannin is resolved but there is still acid that keeps the wine fresh and balanced. This is on its maturity plateau right now. Excellent for an appellation wine.
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9/26/2015 - Ridgerunner Likes this wine: 92 Points
Sadly we have drunk the last bottle. Seemed like there was still room for growth.
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8/15/2015 - Frank Murray III wrote:
Opened and drank at room temp, which had to be in the high 70s. Yet, it drank like a champ as it always does. Started off smooth, plush a little chocolate and then by about the third hour it seemed to tighten up. I left the last 1/3rd of the bottle with the restaurant to finish. Delicious again and holding together well.
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6/7/2015 - Ridgerunner Likes this wine: 92 Points
Brought this to a dinner and everyone really liked it! I find it hard to keep my hands off of these wines.
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2/23/2015 - galewskj wrote: 90 Points
Consistent with previous note.
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1/13/2015 - dmatley wrote: 91 Points
Drinking well right now and not sure there is much of an upside left. Good, well made syrah. Nice fruit but not nearly as big as many of the others. Most of the tannins have integrated, plenty of acid to provide lift for the fruit. Nothing too complicated here but plenty to enjoy.
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1/3/2015 - PIntag wrote:
Really weird experience with this wine. I've not tasted it before, but it seemed pretty different than many notes posted here. This started off with a very prominent aroma of sweet corn and the palate showed very similar. Full mid-palate and long finish with dense fruit throughout.
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12/26/2014 - galewskj wrote: 90 Points
Very nice middle-of-the-road modern syrah. Well-integrated, it really hit its stride with an hour of air. I would not hold these much longer - I'll be finishing my last bottle in the next couple months.
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11/24/2014 - davidspieker wrote: 92 Points
Excellent. Dark red and blue fruit flavors with smokey meat aromas. Consistent flavors that wash seamlessly into a lengthy finish. Nice body with wonderful integration of acid and tannin.
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10/20/2014 - Recoveringimporter wrote: 95 Points
Singing. Never had enough of these Carlisle wines...
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9/21/2014 - tyvoodoo wrote:
This wine seemed to go through a few phases but has finally settled down after 3 hours of air at cellar temp. A very pure and pretty nose laced with cool blue fruits, bit of tobacco spice, sweet smoked meats, dark red fruits and dried herbs. Lean red fruits in the mouth with a lovely mouthfeel. Dark red fruit, nice integration of acid and tannins. Drinking great with some air time but has the stuffing for more sideways time. I've had this wine a number of times over the past 4 years and it seems to be developing nicely, no harm in holding for further development.
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9/5/2014 - jfkwines wrote: 93 Points
Teeth staining insanity. Love it now
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8/30/2014 - bound4er wrote: 92 Points
No formal notes - I recall this being big but perfectly balanced and just flat out delicious.
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8/17/2014 - Sennma wrote: 91 Points
Mike's syrahs always need a bit of time...this was coming into its own and still has another 3 years of upside.
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5/4/2014 - brigcampbell wrote:
Carlisle Winemaker Dinner with Mike Officer (Luciana's, Dana Point, CA): I have an emotional attachment to this wine because it was the first Carlisle I ever purchased. It was nice to hear Mike kick off the story of this flight with the comment "I've always really liked this wine." Hey, even FMIII loves this one. Dark fruit and cedar, good acidity and perfect balance. Medium plus finish. Hall of Fame QPR.
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5/3/2014 - Frank Murray III wrote:
Carlisle In The OC: This has always been a favorite of mine, a wine that I have written about many times in the past and still own several bottles. At $20, just nuts. Even paying 2X that price a year or so back to source a few more, it didn't matter as this is such a great bottle of wine. Bit of funk on the nose, with irion and garrigue. The palate shows more iron, dark chocolate and olive. This is aging well and last night, this also beat the 2007 Papa's Block that we had in the preceding flight.
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4/10/2014 - dougie Likes this wine: 92 Points
Same notes as a year ago. Earth, licorice and rich dark fruit. Amazing deal! Carlisle rocks!!!
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3/22/2014 - sma Likes this wine: 90 Points
Dense color that stains the wine glass. Blackberry and raspberry on palate with a smooth richness that fills the mouth. Some earth and a little spice, well balanced with great mouthfeel.
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3/22/2014 - KristianT Likes this wine: 92 Points
Once again a outstanding example of the winemaking skills of Mike Officer. A beautiful balanced combination of fruit, structure and elegance. Very dark and a bit restrained at first but after 30 minutes it really starts to shine. Could easily rival many a Côte Rôtie. Drinks perfectly well now, but should also keep for many more years. Alas this was my last bottle.
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3/20/2014 - btock wrote: 90 Points
Needed a roadie for a family trip and this was a good choice. A drinker not a thinker. Big, flush, purple/black profile. Throwing a bit of sediment but not a chewy texture. Nothing subtle about it, but well integrated and no sharp edges. Approachable now, which I can't always say about Mike's syrahs. This one is pleasure, not pain.
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1/21/2014 - Stumpy wrote: flawed
Flawed
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1/1/2014 - btock Likes this wine: 93 Points
Killer, and killer QPR. Juicy, layered, fresh. Nice perfume, black fruits and minerality. This is the stuff.
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11/27/2013 - rwerner Likes this wine: 92 Points
Opulent black fruit on the nose, bright delicious fruit on the mouth transitioning to a long finish with balanced tannins. 1 more bottle left in the cellar. Another well made wine by Carlisle.
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11/16/2013 - Frank Murray III wrote:
This is the first of four bottles I picked up from Wine Bid this summer (at a price that was well above the steal of 20 bucks-ish that I had paid for the prior 9 bottles, which have long been drank!). This wine has been iconic for me given the price/quality relationship, and above all, what it delivers as a total experience. Opened tonight to take to dinner, will bag the bottle to see how my 2 wine buddies take to the wine sans the label. I opened this about 20 mins ago so call this note an early look. Bacon fat and white flower aromas dominate this thing right from the get go--really distinctive. The palate? Still tight, but that is a plus, as it tightens down the staining fruit and gives it some zing, although the iron notes and darker, more plush fruit from this past summer's bottle I expect to see later...so last night over dinner, this ended up being alongside a 2008 Carlisle Papa's Block, which was a nice side by side, both wines showing terrific. The color of this wine tonight, it looks as dark as the fall night sky outside my kitchen. Staining. There is an intensity of iron in the core of this wine, it kind of explodes out from the center, joined by a charcoaled, black fruit. The flowery, bacon aromas fading a bit and now sharing with blood and iron, too--interestingly, much like that of the 2008 Papa's Block from last night. Like the bottle from this past summer, with air the structure and tang softens and the wine becomes more rich, brooding and finishes with a chocolate, iron mix. Drink window? A drink now works and with my stash of 3 left, I figure I will finish these by the end of 2014, maybe early 2015. What makes this wine sing is the opulence and depth, at the sick price it once had. Even at 40 bucks replacement for the last 4, I ain't mad at ya'! Awesome CA syrah, AGAIN!
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7/24/2013 - skinut wrote: 91 Points
Lots of fruit and lots of life left. Got better and more intriguing on the nose after some air - mostly 10-15 minutes because I could keep my hands off of it. Softened nicely the next night.
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7/15/2013 - texaswinelover wrote: 92 Points
Lacked a little complexity compared to svd's but for $20, this is an amazing qpr winner. Deep, inky fruit filled and satisfying. Only 14+% etoh. Just deliciously balanced. Wish I had a case more.
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7/13/2013 - Frank Murray III wrote:
Have to figure out how I waited 2 years between bottles and see about applying that to other wines in my cellar. I do try and space bottles but I like my wines on the younger side, it's my own preference. This wine was a sick price back in 2009 at $19.50 on the mailing list. There was (and still is) a lot of syrah in this price point that is simply average--lacking color, complexity, acid and missing the passion of the winemaker transformed into the wine. Whatever extent you might know Carlisle or Mike Officer, he's passioned, he's committed to his wines, determined and this 2007 shows these qualities, ever moreso that he took a wine this good and sold it for what is theft for those of us who bought it. So to the wine...this wine has softened up some since I last had it, and the structure (IMO) is beginning to fold into the wine finally. While it still shows some beautiful iron in the aromatic and moreso into the palate, and remains inky and staining, it has now come into its own with balance. And, there's no heat here, which makes this wine that much better: you get all the color, tremendous palate presence and finish, but sans the boozy signature. The fruit is exhibiting the softening too, showing a polished black feel, yet there is acid present so it doesn't get flabby or tiring, which comes across as a blueberry skin, with a hint of tartness. It then finishes with tar, black cherry, blueberry, charcoal and licorice. As much as I herald the insane QPR of the Rivers-Marie SC pinot every year for $25, this Carlisle is in the same league. As to drink window, that acid hangs around so I think this wine will head for another 3-4 years. For certain, the best RRV syrah Mike has ever made, iconic and a triumph of CA syrah.
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5/12/2013 - tyvoodoo wrote:
Decanted 3+ hours at cellar temp prior to this note. At opening its very flashy, creamy, fat and luscious. After three hours of air this wine unwinds and starts to show that its serious and built for some sideways time. Very savory nose with beef drippings, sweet smoke, high toned pepper and toast. Underneath all of the meat and smoke is a blue fruited wine, round and rich with some sweetness on the nose. Palate is linear, red fruited, rich yet balanced. Entry starts with some dark red fruit, oak char and spice. Through the middle it transitions to some dark black fruit, road tar, more pepper, gritty tannins and balanced acid. I wouldn't call it modern but its domestic and wears its style proudly but it's got enough complexity and structure to keep me interested. My last bottle was January and it hasn't budget since, still drinking great and holding up perfectly, hands down best Carlisle I've had.
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3/28/2013 - KristianT Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very nice! Beautiful garnet colour. Cool and elegant Syrah. Very well made. Great balance and structure. Drinks well now, but should continue to evolve. Carlisle consistently offer great wines thanks to the skilled winemaking by Mike Officer - looking forward to visiting next month.
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3/23/2013 - Tasteofsunshine Likes this wine: 91 Points
Drinking well now! Another good effort from this winery.
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12/25/2012 - Screameagle Likes this wine: 91 Points
Certainly a crowd pleaser at our Christmas Eve dinner with relatives.
Drinking well now but no need to rush with last bottle. A P&P worked well but an hour decant may work even better. A terrific QPR that we enjoyed very much.
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11/21/2012 - BklynNeophyte wrote: 89 Points
Thanksgiving Eve 2012 in the Berkshires (Berkshires (West Stockbridge, Massachusetts)): My top-rated wine among five syrahs on Thanksgiving eve, and the group's second rated wine.
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10/16/2012 - crsprout wrote: 88 Points
Great fruit, with a little meatiness and sanguine. Somewhat simple/one dimensional without much depth, but a great value at $25. Have another bottle that I'll keep until next year.
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9/17/2012 - cookie7 wrote: 88 Points
Note on day 2. Plums and licorice on the nose. Dark stewed fruits on the palate. Throws a bunch of sediment. Lacking a bit of precision - probably better on the first night.
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8/2/2012 - Sennma wrote: 90 Points
Way too soon but wanted to see where it was. Good bones just still tight as a drum. Wait a couple more years.
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8/1/2012 - dougie wrote: 92 Points
Has opened up a bit since the last time. Full bodied and the inclusion of some whole clusters has really made this complex. Decanted for two hours- has a way to go. Try to hold on to the last one for a few years, but at $25- who cares; what a deal!
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7/21/2012 - sma wrote: 90 Points
Poured into a decanter and swirling to hope open the wine. Poured after about 15 minutes. Vibrant purple that was so dense that it stained the wine glasses after sitting during dinner. Dense long legs. Raspberry and blackberry leap from the glass. Great red and black fruit on the palate with some earthy spiceness. I was surprized to see sediment in my glass as the evening progresses. Wonderful dense wine that clearly can benift from more time in the cellar.
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7/20/2012 - dabovino wrote: 91 Points
Decanted for about 45 seconds. Not too patient during the middle of a summer barbecue. Exceptional value.
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7/19/2012 - Outplaying wrote:
A great showing. Blue and black fruits, some ore/earthy note, spice chocolate and meaty notes. There is still a lot of structure and fruit here so while it is drinking great for my tastes right now, it should drink well for a few years yet. Really sorry this was my last bottle. Thanks to Mike O for being generous with their pricing on this one too.
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7/3/2012 - brigcampbell wrote:
I've been very good about keeping my hands off of these for the last couple of years and I was rewarded. Had a slight challenge with the cork, it was very soft and snapped on half on the first pull. I was decanting so I punched in the remainder and dumped through a screen. Color is very dark but vibrant purple core. Legs are thick and dark color, this wine has kankles. The heat is completely gone and the wine is nicely integrated. The aromatics are bold and sturdy. Dark fruit and black olive with a wrapper of sage brush. Long finish with a heavy mouthfeel. There is no great rush to drink these, they aren't going anywhere but up from here as they transition from rough and tumble to maturity.
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5/28/2012 - Sellar Rat Likes this wine: 89 Points
Big, dense but well balanced. Creosote and dark fruits. Somewhat one dimensional, but great value and no hurry to drink.
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3/11/2012 - gr8r84u wrote: 92 Points
You can talk all you want about the flavor profile of a wine but the real test is if without realizing you drink it all which is what i just did. This is just plain delicious wine.
The fact that is is such a good value is part of what defines Mike as a winemaker. There is absolutely nothing fancy or pretentious about any Carlisle wine. Just consistent quality far above what any sane human would expect at this (or any) price point. Thanks Mike for another winner.
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3/10/2012 - glg wrote: 92 Points
Exceptional wine - just pulled from cellar and had no idea this was a sub $20. Wow!
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2/5/2012 - Pave2112 wrote: 92 Points
Nice funkiness here
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1/29/2012 - tyvoodoo wrote:
I was looking forward to trying this as I haven't had one in about a year. This is probably my favorite Carlisle of all time, moderate alcohol, great balance and lovely fruit. Super dark black and purple color with no sins of letting up at the edges. Throwing a bit of sediment so some decanting might be in order. Nose is stacked with fresh roasted coffee beans, meat drippings, creamy red and black fruits with dried herbs and a touch of cocoa powder. Evenly distributed palate, not too thick or heavy in any part. Bottle sweet red fruits, toasty oak, tobacco, smoked meats, pepper, spice and everything nice. Even from front to back with great balance of tannin, fruit, oak and acid. Don't get me wrong, this is CA 100% but it is a fine effort and still remains my to Carlisle to date. I really don't care for the zins and petite syrahs but this is something special.
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12/23/2011 - Mattshank wrote: 91 Points
Last bottle of this (last tasted 10/1/10). Nose: The tree moss still present with tar, mint, and clay hints. Palate: Very soft and integrated at this point with the acid folded in (JVP homage) and dark fruits with a swift decay but good sustain of the finish. For the base bottling of Carlisle Syrah this has aged very well.
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10/3/2011 - tyvoodoo wrote:
Seems to finally be fleshing out when compared to the previous bottle 6 months ago. This bottle was also throwing a bit of sediment. Intoxicating dark fruited nose, palate seems a bit more leaner and less heavy with most of the primary characteristics still intact. This is fun to drink now with a good decant and should continue to improve for a few more years.
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9/26/2011 - DPMc wrote: 93 Points
Very good showing. Deep fruit with some spice and savory elements. Structure has pulled together since last bottle over a year ago and it seems to be entering its drinking window. Great value.
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9/8/2011 - GrapeScott wrote: 89 Points
Finally made the Carlisle mailing list after several years of waiting (and buying here and there at retail since 2001), so popped this from my stash to celebrate. It's been probably close to two years since I've cracked a bottle and this has definitely settled down a bit. Dark purple with a meaty blackberry nose. Shows nicely on the front end, balancing ripe berries with hints of bacon fat, but a bit thin in the midpalate and still with firm tannins on the finish. The structure is there to suggest this could still improve, but the slightly hollow middle makes me wonder about this wine's longevity. Still a very nice syrah for about $20, and though unmistakably California in style, not at all over the top.
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9/3/2011 - dougie wrote: 92 Points
Decanted for an hour. Really opened up after two hours. Wonderful rich and complex wine. The finish will improve with aging.
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8/27/2011 - Frank Murray III wrote:
Open about a day, details for this note are with the wine at room temp. Still pretty tight the next day, although there is enough mid-palate stuffing to reflect the weight but the wine is a bit short on the finish. Gardenia blossom aromatic, with a good core of spicy, blue and black fruit, some herb/garrigue notes add that bit of zesty edge to the fruit. With the zesty finish, comes some chocolate and anise. Not ready to drink yet and while not full of big tannin, there is enough zesty structure here to suggest the wine can sit another 12-18 months and then drink 2012-2015.
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5/29/2011 - gutt22 wrote:
14.1% alcohol. This remains a meaty, earthy, somewhat brooding wine with terrific complexity. Black and blue fruit on the nose, with pepper and earth notes. In the mouth, a meaty edge comes with the fruit profile, along with a bite of pepper. Structured, focused, and terrifically balanced, this is brawny without being unrefined. It's a striking wine that has continued to get better with age. A-
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5/7/2011 - tyvoodoo wrote:
Weaker than previous bottles, a bit thin and alcoholic, clearly off.
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5/7/2011 - cbbrown3 wrote: 90 Points
Deep, dark inky purple color. Blackberries, fresh ground black pepper, smoked meat, vanilla, flowers, and baking spices on the nose. Medium to full body with solid tannins and good acidity. Big and powerful on the palate, loads of pepper upfront with the fruit fruit underneath before the spicy oak kicks in, a bit of an herbal element creeps in on the finish. Big and bold, but seems to be missing some of the normal Carlisle richness. This is you and with some proper cellar time it should come around. Good now, better down the line.
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4/5/2011 - MarkC Likes this wine: 91 Points
Best wine I've had in a week. Went really well after dinner with an oatmeal cookie of all things. Pure, unadulterated RRV Syrah, with laser-focused dark fruit flavors, and excellent structure to keep it from even hinting at gloppy or overdone. Yet another feather in Mike Officer's cap (and I believe this is a totally affordable wine, under $20). (PE: 91)
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3/14/2011 - caboychuck wrote:
A lot like the 06 black fruit pops out followed quickly by creosote and smokey fire. Soft mouthfeel, closed.. put in decanter and eventually it opened up.
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3/1/2011 - silton wrote: 90 Points
Big dark fruit with some Syrah stylings as noted below, but this one worked for me, the best of the cheaper Carlisle Syrah's I've had to date. Doesn't have a lot of lift but nor was it ponderous due to its harmonious acidity. Best on day 2.
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2/21/2011 - cookie7 wrote: 91 Points
Popped and poured. Very tight at first. Opened nicely after 45 minutes. Black cherries, herbs and earth on the nose. Very dark fruit and a touch of licorice on the finish. Big tannins - I think this wine will continue to improve for years to come. Great QPR.
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2/21/2011 - tyvoodoo wrote: 93 Points
Decanted close to three hours prior to this note. Right upon opening this was extremely tannic, dark and unforgiving. After some air time the wine really started to open up. Extremely dark color, ruby edges with a black core. Wonderful nose of roasted meats, grilled beef drippings, cigar shavings, black baking chocolate, freshly ground white pepper, a bit of road tar and creosote. Nose continues to evolve with roasted espresso beans, dark cocoa, a touch of creamy toasted oak, black berries, hint of raspberries and some creme de casis. Medium body with drying tannins on the back end. Still rather tight and locked up on the palate. Nice dark fruits, cigar smoke, darker fruit profile on the palate, stacked with fruit, more of a meaty character and a bit of minerality. This is a wonderful CA syrah with a touch of old world character to it. Great wine that will continue to age for many more years.
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1/20/2011 - cbbrown3 wrote: 91 Points
Decanted for an hour and a half. Deep, dark, inky purple color. Intoxicating nose with smoked meat, pepper, blackberries, blueberries, licorice, vanilla, baking spices, and a nice floral note. Medium to full body with solid, ripe tannins and good acidity. Big and chewy on the palate with the fruit more in a complimentary roll to the savory elements. Decent length on the finish with pepper and some stems. This needs more time to help fill out the finish and to help the stems better integrate. Good now, better in a couple years.
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12/9/2010 - etherscreen wrote:
had to open a second bottle. stellar qpr! not a whole lot going on, but a mouthful of goodness with a great mouthfeel. give at least an hour after double decant.
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12/9/2010 - etherscreen wrote: flawed
corked
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11/24/2010 - Screameagle wrote: 90 Points
After an hour decant this syrah was very tasty. Not very complex but still a wine that is drinking great and has a very nice mouthfeel. It may improve over the next 1-2 years but why wait its so good now. An incredible QPR.
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11/18/2010 - Outplaying wrote:
Burgers and Spades with Ken and Kelly: Tasted Blind. Big and rich. Black and blue fruits with some charcoal notes and faint vanilla. Great balance of acidity and tannins. Excellent length. I really liked this. I have to say I admire Mike for selling this for $20 bucks. Its almost crazy. He is right- I have not had a better california syrah for the price. No need to hurry with these and I will try to hold my last bottle for a couple of years.
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10/17/2010 - yonster24 wrote:
This is more like it. This bottle was fantastic, although it needed 90 minutes to open. Dark inky color to the wine. After decanting, the nose was beautiful, dark fruit, oak, a definite gamey (raw meat) quality to it and a bit of earth. Medium-Full bodied on the palate where the fruit just burst through and made this such a joy to drink. All of this leading to a long, (somewhat spicy) finish with great balance of tannins (which are starting to integrate) and acid (which really kept this from getting heavy and made me coming back for more.) This wine was wonderful and will continue to get better for a little while longer.
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10/10/2010 - tyvoodoo wrote: 92 Points
Right upon opening this had an immensely dark color. Great nose of pepper, toasty oak, smoked meats, beef blood and garrigue. Palate is plush and round with a great tannin structure and ample fruit to round it out. Blue and black fruits with road tar, creme de casis, melted licorice, cinnamon, nutmeg and Asian spices. Great body and a dense mouthfeel, polished tannins, pronounced oak and alcohol in check. One of the best Cali syrah's money can buy and a steal at $20.
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10/6/2010 - OneLastSyrah Likes this wine: 90 Points
14.1% ABV. Partially translucent dark garnet in the glass with a bit of magenta at the rim. Somewhat nutty coffee nose with background smoky berry. Medium full bodied with a melange of black fruit, but overall this bottle seemed a little more savory and closed than some of my earlier bottles. I checked Mike's drinking window and he actually recommended consuming this one after 2012, which I was surprised to see. I wonder if it is going through a phase? It was really delicious in its youth (and not bad now).
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10/1/2010 - Mattshank wrote: 91 Points
Nose: Rustic with tree moss. Palate: Soft and much more evolved than the last bottle drank about a year ago. Good spice levels. Has aged well.
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9/19/2010 - tairanosaurus wrote:
Great nose of dark fruit initially, transitioning to meat with concentrated raspberry. Very expressive.
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8/9/2010 - Mike Dildine wrote: 92 Points
14.1% alcohol. Dark ruby red. Expressive black fruit aromas. On the palate, very rich, very balanced and very delicious blackberry, pepper and spice. A luxurious wine. Lingering aftertaste.
Rumor has it that Carlisle has an offering later this week. I thought it prudent to check this producer out first. I'm a buyer!
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7/6/2010 - Mike Dildine wrote: 92 Points
Very delicious. Confirms my earlier (6/18) tasting note.
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6/18/2010 - Mike Dildine wrote: 92 Points
Great richness, focus and balance. Just what you'd expect from a Carlisle.
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5/26/2010 - sachsen wrote: 92 Points
Interesting pop-and-pour, but needed 2 hours to really show well. Hard to keep my hands off of these...
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5/22/2010 - tairanosaurus wrote: 91 Points
Great nose of blue fruit, soy sauce and carmel, with undertones of meat and smoke. Plum, raspberry and smokiness initially. Transitions mid-palate to plum, brush sticks and bog in the mouth. Backbone of tanin on the finish. Acidity most noticeable on midpalate.
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4/23/2010 - tyvoodoo wrote: 92 Points
Great nose of white pepper, anise, Asian spices, bacon drippings and smoked ham. A completely smoked meat driven nose with cool creamy black and blue fruits. Creamy mouthfeel with drying tannins and a full bodied finish. A bit tougher at this stage than the 2006's but a bit more depth and complexity. This is a great wine with promise but needs a bit more time.
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4/15/2010 - ebrumby wrote: 89 Points
A little sharp. A little more time to age?
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4/6/2010 - OneLastSyrah Likes this wine: 92 Points
14.1% ABV. Dark black garnet, opaque and a bit inky still. Complex floral and black olive nose. Rich and concentrated with sweet black fruit and a retronasal notion of roasting coffee and BBQ spice. Great wine.
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4/5/2010 - batphone wrote: 93 Points
Best wine for the
Money
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3/29/2010 - MBrown wrote: flawed
Such a bummer. This wine's color is so amazing and reading my notes from my first bottle had me fired up but this wine had such a strong nose of wet cardboard I couldn't help but think it flawed. Such a bummer, I decanted and waited a few hours but still just the cardboard nose with very muted flavors.
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3/28/2010 - beezer6 wrote: 92 Points
Open in the bottle for three hours. The color is a lovely royal vibrant purple. Almost opaque at the center the rim shows hints of dark cranberry red. Rich complex and heavily layered nose of dark blackberries, plums, currant preserves, smoked meat, charred oak, medium dark soy sauce and school yard blacktop.
A big wine. More dark robust red fruit dominate the palate paired with more smokey meat and a solid finish.
There is plenty distinguished grip and acidity showing the super young state of this juice.
Alcohol is well in check at only 14.1%, a low count for this style of wine - the lush mouthfeel is great. Very nice. Lots of potential. Give this another 5-7 years in bottle.
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3/22/2010 - amateurwino wrote: 92 Points
This wine is coming along nicely - still showing some floral/underbrush quality but out of the bottle the nose leans more toward meaty and almost nutty elements. The oak seems less prominent than it did last year. This wine is still quite intense in the glass but after leaving a glass out overnight, it's very smooth and quite enjoyable at lunch the next day; I suspect the sweet spot at this point is probably in the 6-10 hr range of decanting right now. Wonderful for the price. Originally rated 91.
Update: this wine is still showing beautifully on night 4 after refrigeration. Each time I've had it, it has made me wonder whether I ever need to spend more for syrah than the $20ish price for this - it's that good. Upgrading to 92 based on how well it has blossomed and held up on subsequent nights.
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2/22/2010 - gutt22 Likes this wine:
14.1% alcohol. Striking contrast drinking this next to the Dry Creek. This is more meaty, more earthy, with blacker fruit notes. It's somewhat more brooding, too. Peppery, meaty, and complex, with delicious fruit. Strong structure, both in terms of acidity and tannin. But delicious. A-
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2/20/2010 - incident wrote:
Consistent with prior bottles
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1/9/2010 - yonster24 wrote:
I really don't know what to make of this wine. The nose was muted, so was the palate. I have a feeling it may have been corked but I really can't be too sure. My brother-in-law sorta felt the same way, he still killed the bottle, because he's a drunkard (and that's NOT a bad thing...) I have two more and will open one soon just to see the comparison. Dissapointing as we wanted to pair this with the Flannery Hanger steak...
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1/8/2010 - Brady D wrote: 91 Points
Had at Mem and Laz in Islingtion with Emma's co-workers. Dark purple. Good viscosity. Great perfume of dark fruit. Full bodied. Long finish. Classic California syrah. The others at the table really liked it and wanted to know more. I often get that reaction when I open a Carlisle. Excellent.
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1/2/2010 - jnscellar wrote: 91 Points
Slightly over-oaked taste IMO. BUT FROM PQR, DARN TASTY. 5 bottles.
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12/30/2009 - Dale B. wrote: 90 Points
Much better on day 2.
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12/28/2009 - MarkC wrote: 91 Points
Another smokin' good Carlisle. Probably would be better in a couple years, but it's so good, so full of ripe fruit now that it's hard to keep my hands off. Dark fruits, some black cherry, ink, good balance, and a decent finish. (PE: 95)
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12/22/2009 - Jared wrote: 93 Points
As I stared longingly at this bottle of inky purple goodness, a tear trickled down my cheek as I realized it was my final bottle. Someone once said, "All good things must come to an end." F#@k that person as he had never had a $19.50 bottle of wine this good. I always secretly hope my bottles of Carlisle are crap (well, not really) since everyone and their mother gush about this winery, but alas, they are always freakin' tasty. A tip of my sweaty University of Washington golf cap to you, Mr. Officer. Oh yeah, the wine...Dark and brooding purple, accented by ruby edges, this wine gets all up in your nostrils and invades your personal space. Smoked bacon, violets, berry jam, blackberries, pepper, and asian spice announce that you are about to enjoy yourself. Full bodied (not in an 18th century rubenesque sort of way but in a 21st century healthy Jennifer Connelly sort of way) but not overly dense, this wine has a certain lift that's hard to explain. It just simply awakens your taste buds. Bright blue and black fruit fill your mouth to the rim and you actually fight swallowing (insert proverbial wife joke here), but when you do, the sticky tannins and hints of receding oak balance the ripe fruit perfectly and what you are left with is the feeling of pure drinking pleasure. When I was 19, pure drinking pleasure was MGD and Cuervo Gold and now, it's 2007 Carlisle RRV Syrah! 93pts.
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12/19/2009 - ews3 wrote: 91 Points
Cheers to the Record Snowfall (Roberts House): It was quite a shift going from pinot to this. plum, chocolate, sweet black fruit -- a blackberry liqueur or pie filling. medium finish. A great value at $20 price point.
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12/19/2009 - OneLastSyrah wrote:
14.1% ABV. Inky in the glass. Dark fruit with a background of reticent smoke, and meaty coffee. Rich seamless dark fruit on the palate. Outstanding again.
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12/19/2009 - jrobs7777 wrote: 88 Points
Random Wines on Snowbound Night (Our House (2033 Brandywine St., Philadelphia)): Nice nose, but interrupted by a little heat. Mocha, toffee, plum and blackberry. Jammy palate. Blackberry jam and sweet oak. Moderate finish. Good value.
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12/19/2009 - Frank Murray III wrote:
8 months since the last bottle. P/P last night, remained in bottle o/night, with 24 o/night being the basis for this TN. Color remains quite dark, which is one of the aspects I like in syrah, including this one--glass stainer. Has some SLH features, like a hint of citrus (less so than SLH but it's there), a meaty note and lots of dark black and blue fruit, all adding to a medium weight palate. Some new oak in the bouquet still, along with some olive and hint of flower. Has some tar, blue-fruited acidity and bittersweet chocolate on the finish. Like what others have stated and my own past comments, there is still some tannic tension in the finish so this wine should improve and fold together more as the structure blends in. Drinking window I'd offer is mid 2010-2012.
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12/9/2009 - WetRock wrote:
Soft nose showing notes of fresh paint, vanilla, wood and berry sauce with a touch of meat. Fat thick and sweet Raspberry palate. While not really in my 'wheel house' this certainly delivers well above it's price point. There are a lot of very similar wines that go for upwards of 4 times the price of this one.
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12/9/2009 - VinoPKM wrote: 88 Points
I think I have a slightly off bottle(based on other reviews)- I do get tar and smoke on the nose with some strewed fruit. Super dark inky color. Wine is a little hot and has blown off a little as the night has gone on. However, I do not get the blue fruits at all. I do get very ripe red raspberries and black fruits. And at 14.1% I do taste the Alc. Good acid and tannins. A good QPR at $20- but not super wowing. I wouldn't say the wine is shut down- I would say it is a more in your face over the top CA wine that needs to mellow and "cool" down.
Will update with tomorrow notes.
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12/8/2009 - winelovr2001 wrote: 93 Points
A dark inky wine that is low in acid and very easy to drink...almost too easy! Showing violets, blackbery, blueberries all nicely framed in sweet tannins. A great wine.
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11/27/2009 - SUN-J wrote: 91 Points
Holy QPR. Inky, dark purple. Nose of dark fruits, smoke, vanilla and maybe pepper. Palate added a floral component with moderate tannins and acidity. A touch rustic but this made it that much better. Really balanced wine enjoyed by all.
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11/23/2009 - OneLastSyrah wrote: 91 Points
14.1% ABV. This is a bottle I purchased at retail. I've noticed that these bottles have generally seemed a little off compared to the bottles I got directly from the winery. Deeply colored, opaque and inky in the glass. Aromas of dark fruit with a reticent smoke, meat, and coffee undercurrent. Rich dark fruit on the palate. Slightly chewy with good length. Really good, but not as nuanced and fresh as the bottles I received directly from Mike. Awesome QPR.
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10/30/2009 - mebydef wrote: 91 Points
Hard to tell that this was Syrah. Everything was polished. It’s certainly a well made wine, but not very distinctive. I would have like a little more character.
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10/24/2009 - aussie05 wrote:
Sweet vanilla beef broth with a mineral edge to the zinging blue fruits and balanced acidity. Delicious
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10/21/2009 - gutt22 wrote:
14.1% alcohol. Decanted. Deep red color, like pomegranate. Sumptuous nose of brilliant blue and black fruits, with a meaty edge to the earth and pepper notes. In the mouth, this has become more brawny over the past six months. Still plush and delicious fruit, with a plum note added to the blue and black fruit, and great complexity led by briary pepper. Strong acidity and quite ripe tannins. Deliciious. A-
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10/16/2009 - glaze3 wrote:
I don't find this nearly as open or ready as the other tasters have noted. Lots of oak and shut down, these comments are after 90 min decant and drank over 4 hrs. Hold.
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10/16/2009 - greenblanket wrote:
Wow! There's sure a lot of love for this wine on CT. Sorry, I just don't get it but I'm willing to wait. This is tight and tannic right now and with that and the new french oak aren't we all getting a little carried away here? As I have said before - when it comes to Carlisle Greenblanket is usually first in line for the Kool-Aid - but this is a big frosty pitcher of bitter tannin and stems at this point. I have faith in this winemaker and he has said 2012 to 2020 on this one.
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10/15/2009 - Mike Stoneking wrote:
Popped and poured. Big fruit and excellent structure with approachable tannins. This was drinking well and should be even better down the road. Glad to have a bunch more to enjoy in the future.
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10/15/2009 - Wop wrote: 93 Points
This was stellar - wonderful dark fruit, beautiful balance and acidity and a long finish. These 2007s are really starting to blossom, and they were great to start with!
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10/11/2009 - vanpe003 wrote: 92 Points
Mid-Fall Wine Tasting (Down's Lake): Tight and not very appealing initially, but what a transformation this went through over the course of the evening. Ultimately, WOTF for the syrahs. Exquisitely balanced, rich but not overpowering. Day 2 - maintains the richness while developing some Mediterranean herb and olive notes that I hadn't detected the first night.
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10/10/2009 - OneLastSyrah wrote: 92 Points
14.1% ABV. Deeply colored. Inky. Complex floral syrah fruit nose. Rich and concentrated with ripe boysenberry fruit and a little coffee background. Delicious QPR. I think this could age a couple years without any problems, but I can't keep my hands off them they taste so good now.
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10/3/2009 - Hazeo wrote: 87 Points
Pop and poured, drank over a couple of hours. The back label wasn't kidding about the inky purple / glass staining ability of the wine. It has great density and fruit. However like the last bottle it was rather goopy, plummy, and primary. Tannins weren't bothering me at all, but its monolithic nature did.
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9/8/2009 - CO CHRIS wrote: 92 Points
14.1% alc...frankly I think this wine is in a in-between phase...the nose went from dark compote, to blueberry/smokey syrah essence, to shutdown in a matter of a little over an hour...the texture is what I would expect from 15.5%+, there is plenty of extract, outrageous balance and this thread of minerality that runs through the center of the palate, through the finish - this is found in Chablis for me, Priorat, some Ribera del Duero - high elevation schiste, limestone soils. This is Russian River - I doubt any of those traits? I know it's not high elevation. This isn't typical CA Syrah - staggeringly different with that minerality. I really like this wine.
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9/8/2009 - suthersm wrote:
This was a disappointment. Perhaps drunk too early, but the wine was simple and undistinguished. I am sure my expectations were raised by recent notes and although the wine was only $20, there are other wines I'd rather be drinking. It's likely that the my disappointment was highlighted by a much better recent experience with the 2006 Carlisle Dry Creek Syrah. It may just be that am I less enamored with RRV syrahs.
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9/2/2009 - OneLastSyrah wrote: 90 Points
14.1% ABV. Popped and poured. Deeply colored with a bright magenta rim. Coats the glass when swirled. Slight smoke/tar/coffee note on the nose. Dark fruit. This bottle was slightly more closed and showing a bit more tannin than previous bottles, but very tasty nonetheless. I think I will be decanting my young Carlisle Syrahs for the next few tastes.
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8/14/2009 - Ben Frost wrote: 90 Points
This was a very interesting wine experience. When first poured it was extremely dark and tannic and very mouthfilling, but it showed very little complexity. I wasn't able to identify too many flavors, but it was powerful. After 2-3 hours of decanting it changed dramatically to reveal strawberry jam, a bit of licorice, and a herbal quality and it was actually a bit restrained. I highly recommend a long decant on this one. If you were to blind taste this wine upon opening and compare it to 2-3 hours in the glass you'd never identify it as the same wine.
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8/10/2009 - Amerique wrote: 91 Points
Full-bodied blackberry fruit with toasty, roasted coffee bean, and olive flavors, ample tannins, very good structure, ok finish, slightly one-dimensional but an excellent value
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8/4/2009 - OneLastSyrah wrote: 93 Points
14.1% ABV. Deeply colored with an electric magenta rim. Opaque. Blackberry nose initially, then unfolding to reveal some smoky roasting coffee beans. Rich, with layers of black berry fruit and more smoky coffee retro-nasal. Delicious QPR.
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8/3/2009 - Ekoostik wrote: 90 Points
Absolutely no question about the qpr on this one as it just doesnt get better for $20. That said this is not one of my favorite Carlisles to date. It has the fruit, density, concentration thats expected of the brand. There is a bit of something, almost very Olive like, that in one sense makes it interesting, but takes a bit away at the same time. I go back and forth from liking it and thinking too much about it. This one needs some time though and is rather structured and tannic now. I dont think these are over oaked, but I did get quite a bit after switching to this from a simple and nice 07 cdr. I bought 8 but will definately wish I'd bought more once they are gone.
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8/3/2009 - win wrote: 87 Points
Different from prior bottles....more acidity in this bottle, but still keeps the fruit component. Still very good.
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7/21/2009 - eliotfagley wrote: 89 Points
Delicious, but a little basic. It’s got good fruit, but little soul. It tastes like it could be from anywhere.
On the nose, it was explosive with red and black fruit. Blackberries, raspberries, and cassis with maybe a tiny hint of mushroom, but not much. On the attack, it’s mouthfilling with good fruit, and this great, bright acidity like a light bulb. This wine really makes your mouth water. On the mid-palate, it’s a little weak, and all that fruit just sort of dissipates. It’s just a tad short on the finish, but it leaves you with this odd desire to take another sip – must be the acid. This is really tasty stuff, it’s just not overly complex. It was a surprisingly good match for lighter summer fare, though
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7/6/2009 - cmr wrote: 91 Points
Awesome qpr...Great on opening, complex dark fruits, earth on the nose just great but as the night went on turned a little simplistic and one dimensional but was still very delicious.
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7/6/2009 - OneLastSyrah wrote: flawed
Off bottle - not corked, but a bit simple and unbalanced. Opened a second bottle which was right on.
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7/5/2009 - amateurwino wrote: 91 Points
Dark, almost black in the glass - maybe the darkest wine I've ever had. On the nose, dark fruits, vanilla oak, and herby lavender/floral aromatics. On the palate, strong primary fruit, significant tasty oak that is reasonably balanced, and peppery spice and more lavender. A very nice mix that works well already. Will be hard to not touch my other bottle of this before it really reaches maturity. A rocking QPR. Would like to compare this side by side with Copain Tous Ensemble syrah sometime. Must. Get. More. 91+
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7/5/2009 - rc@ughey wrote: 89 Points
Bold but balanced. Viscous but fresh. Not spectacular, and not quite my style, but a good drink and not bad for $20. A bit plummy.
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7/1/2009 - MBrown wrote:
Dark, rich, great fruit and nice complexity. Under $20? Are you kidding me? Glad I have 4 more. This wine I'd agree is still not fully open for business. Close enough for my palate but to think this gets better is pretty insane. One last note, the color on this wine is as dark as I've seen. Great stuff.
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6/30/2009 - winelovr2001 wrote: 93 Points
An amazing QpR. This wine will blow away anything almost double the price.
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6/21/2009 - Dale M wrote: 91 Points
Crazy dark, almost a black hole of a wine that has added a lot more syrah traits than my last bottle a few months ago. Ripe and succulent blackberries, slightly roasted quality, viscous in texture, a little vanilla shavings all add up to a more than solid showing. My last bottle. Maybe next time I can keep my paws of these for a spell.
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6/12/2009 - jameswm13 wrote: 90 Points
Great QPR!
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6/7/2009 - last chance wrote: 91 Points
A long weekend in Seaside, OR; 6/5/2009-6/7/2009 (Seaside, OR): This wine smells huge. Big blackberry and vanilla aromas. The purity of the fruit really comes through on the palate. We drank this wine outside on the deck at a cooler temperature than I previously did, and the heat was not noticeable. Great mouthfeel and a very long finish. I should have bought a lot more of this than I did.
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6/6/2009 - JorgeH wrote: 86 Points
Casual night @ PMC's (Franklin, MA): This bottle was a conundrum in a glass. Deep, dark, blood red in color. Huge aromas of sweet red fruit, vanilla, savory spices and toasty oak. Sadly, in th mouth it was shy and one-noted. Medium-bodied but ripe. It simply fades after gulping it down. Very little aftertaste. Had been opened for about 8 hours. May have been going through a "dumb" phase. Would try again in the future.
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5/29/2009 - OneLastSyrah wrote: 93 Points
This induced a Thursday-night smile for me. Inky with an aromatic suggestion of lavender. Dark berry fruit with nuances of smoke and tar. Perhaps a little earth or wood late. Highly enjoyable.
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5/27/2009 - Hazeo wrote: 90 Points
Dense ruby purple. Very primary and monolithic on the first day, mostly showing smooth ripe (a little plummy) fruit. On day 2, the fruit became more balanced and restraint and generally a much better wine as I'm getting a little more complexity. At this point in time I feel this is very good juice, but just lacks depth.
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5/26/2009 - jameswm13 wrote: 90 Points
Well, the rumors are true...a great QPR! Hard to beat at $20. Inky dark, nice acidity, and broad across the palate (no thinness here). The bit of spicy "tang" was also welcomed w/the tenderloin we enjoyed with the bottle. Very happy to have 12 (make that 11) bottles.
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5/23/2009 - LikeABC wrote: 90 Points
Too soon. I wanted to try it since I found some extra at a local retailer and my allocation is already at the offsite. Popped and poured over the course of four hours. The deep purple color had a glow of garnet! The nose initially reminded me of a Turley Zin with a little dust to it... This wine is packed with lots of black/blue fruits and some spice that were not giving up much. On the back end there was a slight bitterness (tar?). This will be worth another look a year plus down the road, maybe two.
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5/16/2009 - vinocerus wrote: 90 Points
Never head a Carlisle that appeared closed after drinking one several months ago that was quite open and full of dark fruits. Current bottle with very reticent nose and mostly mineral and spice, not much fruit up-front. Palate also holding back and not giving much even after 2 days. Would hold these for at least another year.
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5/16/2009 - brigcampbell wrote: 92 Points
Inky eggplant color (truely amazing) which stains the decantor and glass like paint. Hot nose and heat on the back of the throat on opening and the wine clings to the side of the glass like motor oil. A fruit nose with a bit of wood/oak. After decanting tannins and tartness subsided. A nice 30 seconded fishish. I'm off to buy more...
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5/14/2009 - jasonh wrote: 89 Points
This very young syrah looks like boysenberry syrup. Dark and viscous. I had this over 2 days. I first smelled iron, stems, flowers and red fruit. On the second day I thought boysenberry syrup over a bed of rocks. The texture is silky with the middle being heavy, viscous and slightly hot. On the second day weight had eased up and the wine was brighter and livelier. A monster syrah that it fairly monolithic at this stage. The price leads you to think it could be an early drinker but for me this need time ... and not just a few years. If I can afford the cellar space, I'll wait at least 4 years. My hope is that this monster finds some elegance. 88-89 pts
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5/13/2009 - mebydef wrote: 90 Points
This was very good juice. The color was purple and almost opaque. The nose was filled with dark berries, some underbrush, and leather. The body was medium, the tannins soft, length good, and fruit juicy. The wine was a pleasure to drink.
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5/12/2009 - rc@ughey wrote: 90 Points
Similar in quality and character to the SC Zin. Dark as night. Fruity, forward, but also refreshing with nice acidity. Not heavy. A bit spicy and great with lamb chops.
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5/8/2009 - peternelson wrote: 89 Points
Rosso: Good, rich, well done for this style of bigger wine. grt w/ Zeek’s BBQ. Rich, frt forward black berry , candy.
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4/30/2009 - Mattshank wrote: 91 Points
Decanted 1 hour in a mag decanter. Nose: Initially after pop & pour very closed tight nose. Then after some air complex aromas of charcoal, tar, graphite and brine salt. After more air faint rapsberry, blackberry and mint leaf aromas emerge. Palate: Big tannins and acid yet still light on it's feet. Flavors of black and white pepper with the charcoal, tar and salt present. The finish is med-length and very clean with no rough edges. This wine is a baby and it will be interesting to see the other bottles evolve. My first Carlisle and now I see what all the fuss is about. Bravo Mike Officer & Jay Maddox!
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4/28/2009 - incident wrote: 91 Points
Clear, super dark saturated purple. Clean, medium plus intensity aromas of meats, blackberry, smoke, tar and herbs. Medium acidity, medium tannin, medium plus body. Flavors match aromas with more blackberry, smoke, herbs, plum. Finishes very smooth. Far too young, but had to try one. Among the best values in the market. Considerable room for improvement as the wine comes together over the next 6 months.
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4/27/2009 - Frank Murray III wrote:
I could drink cases of this wine, i really dig it. Commenting on what Todd offered when I opened the wine, "that stuff looks like neon purple". The color is truly a feature of the wine, and it stains the glass like a petite--it's truly that dark. Still really young but this wine will really become something down the road once it settles and for the price, my god.
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4/25/2009 - Art Vandelay wrote: 90 Points
Decanted 2 hours. A solid wine and worthy of the 20 bucks. I should wait a year for the other four.
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4/18/2009 - nectar14 wrote: 91 Points
Nose of vanilla, cured meat, and blackberry. Dark, dark in color. Purple bubbles. Thick and juicy, but kinda wound up right now. Nevertheless, this was guzzled quickly at our party.
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4/14/2009 - Dale M wrote: 89 Points
Black as niht on the nose, intresting syrah aromatics on the nose, though still to yet fully blossom. Tight and tannic, but the underlying quality is there, no question. Hold for short spell, and I bet this improves substantially.
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4/13/2009 - Ekoostik wrote: 89 Points
Not as good as the 05 RRV that I had last night. The fruit is here of course but this one just needs some time to round out. Not very complex right now and actually fairly tannic after a glass. Still a good deal @ $20.
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4/12/2009 - gutt22 wrote:
14.1% alcohol. Really, it was almost a shame I even drank this. It's so young. But, damn, it is so good. Opened two hours before serving but not decanted. Purple/black color. Soaring nose of blue fruit, spice, and a touch of meatiness. Tight on the palate, but still giving quite a bit of fruit. The finish clamps down with serious tannins. This is so clearly a terrific wine; it just needs time. At least a year. Carlisle is such a QPR winner. A-
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4/11/2009 - CO CHRIS wrote:
14.1% - wow, this is impressive, lower alcohol is always welcomed...
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4/10/2009 - last chance wrote: 90 Points
Deep, dark purple color. Glass staining purple on the first swirl. Wow. Lots of blackberry and vanilla on the nose. The palate was full of dark fruits with just a little heat. It was hard to believe how big the mouthfeel was on this wine, but it still had a silky texture. This could use a lot more time to rest. What a great value! Tasted this next to an 06 Carlisle Sonoma. I liked the Sonoma better today, but after this wine has some more bottle age, it might be a different story.
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4/5/2009 - fisk15 wrote: 91 Points
Tight and glass staining again - did not open much onthe second night. Let remaining sleet and drink the zin's instead.
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3/26/2009 - Frank Murray III wrote:
This is a darkkkkk wine. Stains like a petite. Right out of the bottle, flowers and fruit. Tasting primary, very much like a barrel sample with dark grapey fruit and some light mineral. The wine is tight and closed up, no shock but on the heels of finishing the 2005 Carlisle Dry Creek syrah, stayed with the theme. Wait at least 12-18 months. Has much promise but needs time. Overnight, the wine shows better, no surprise. The palate is more accessible and giving.Despite the dark color and nice core and flush of blueberry fruit, I would describe this wine with a medium + body, as the acidity and moderate weight make it such. For the price ($19.50) and for CA syrah drinkers, I can't see how this wine would finish anything short of a Top 3 QPR list. Plzd I have 4 bottles left and won't open the next one until the 09 holiday season.
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3/24/2009 - fisk15 wrote: 91 Points
Tight and glass staining purple w/ dark fruits, char let this sit for a few months.
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3/23/2009 - win wrote: 91 Points
Very dark red/purple in color -- expected this wine to be overwhelming, but it was a bit more sophisticated and refined. Nice acidity present, with subtle flavors of blueberry, black cherry and licorice. Should age gracefully.
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3/13/2009 - vinocerus wrote: 91 Points
Gorgeous deep purple color, typical Carlisle aromas of dark fruits ( I can't tell between blackberry/boysenberry/black raspberry) with a spicy and floral element. The palate carries through with an additional mineral component. Full bodied with a long finish. Carlisle does it again.
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