11/27/2021 - mvick wrote:

PNP at cellar temp. Although the nose is slightly muted and this is less spicy than some of Carlisle's Zins, It evolved very nicely over the following two and a half hours. It is drinking very nicely but likely to hold well for at least a couple more years. The mixture of fruit and light acidity makes for a nice accompaniment to rich foods (leftover turkey, dressing and gravy) but would be enjoyable on its own. The finish lingers as is so common for Carlisle.

4/8/2021 - mvick wrote:

Many years ago, I purchased a case of half bottles of this port and finished the last bottle about ten year ago I was worried that I had waited too long for my one full bottle. Instead I am delighted to find a lingering finish - over a minute, with not only the cherry and raspberry notes but also tobacco and graphite, with notes of Brazil nuts and just a hint of vanilla. Delightful.

7/20/2020 - mvick Likes this wine:

Unfiltered, pale yellow. Fascinating wine. Herbal nose with thyme and some delightful funk predominating. This wine evolved significantly over the hour and a half we drank it. By the end, there was a cider like quality. Just enough acidity to go with the sea bass and the various Spanish flavors of our meal.

1/31/2018 - mvick wrote:

An extra year in the bottle has helped this wine. The fruit is as succulent as when younger, but the wine is more balanced with a very slowly fading finish. It held up very nicely to a sous vide flank steak with a bit of curry flavor.

3/12/2014 - mvick wrote:

It is richer and more balanced than when I last tasted in 2009. It is a somewhat typically lush Napa Syrah but with some subtle undertones and a delightfully long finish.

3/9/2013 - mvick wrote:

This was my 11th of 12 bottles consumed over the last 20 years. It is still drinking beautifully but unlikely to improve further. Classic smokey CNP nose and palate with rich, still youthful fruit, soft tannins and a delightfully lingering finish.

3/22/2009 - mvick wrote:

This is a Pinot Noir is in the lighter more refined, less overwhelming style than the huge offerings from many California wineries. A bit closed at first, the wine developed very nicely over the 90 minutes it was open. I believe it will improve for at least two years. The soft but complex fruit evolved to include black cherry and hints of raspberry balanced by spice and a leathery hint in the finish.

2/13/2005 - mvick wrote:

This is an interesting and comples wine. We tasted with the Pignan from the same vintage. for the first hour and a half, the Pignan was actually more appealing. After this time, the Rayas began to come into its own. It had wonderful varied spice from the beginning. After this the floral qualities merged with great complexity of fruit and a background of earth. This is truly a wine that makes all of our efforts worthwhile.