June 24, 2023 - Soft purple-red color. Lovely raspberry nose. Soft on the palate, blackberry, raspberry, hint of spice. Soft tannins but still structured. Lovely acidity and balance. Finishes long and lovely, spicy with blackberries. Lovely Zin, bright and juicy. Drinking beautifully at 13 years old. 50/50 blend of Carlisle Vineyard and Montafi Ranch. Drink next 2 to 3 years but it may go longer.
July 23, 2022 - Gorgeous nose. Another winner from Mike who never disappoints.
December 3, 2020 - Carlisle wines regularly surprise me (to the upside) and this was no exception. 2010 was a tough vintage year, this bottle was past its "best-by" date, and 15.9% -OH could be trouble without prominent fruit. Out of the fridge, pulled the cork, and immediately aware of the aroma of wildflowers and blueberries. Let it sit for an hour and blackberry and pomegranate came out, with lots of white pepper. Not a hint of the alcohol while drinking.
April 30, 2020 - Not that different from my last note 7 years ago. Delicious and so drinkable with a lovely glycerin-y texture.
August 26, 2019 - Drank this with a barbecue lunch. Delicious as usual. Last one.
March 2, 2019 - Drink now. Very good
March 31, 2018 - Given the vintage my expectations weren't super high going into this wine. To my surprise I really enjoyed it. Sweet and sour raspberry fruit profile with the alcohol well hidden. Tasty stuff that seems to be drinking at its peak.
October 22, 2017 - Opened as a post-dinner, second bottle of the night so not consumed with food. For all of us, the 15.9% alcohol dominated. Probably would be better with a meal, or at least some food, but not great by itself. Not enough fruit on its own to overcome the alcohol.
September 7, 2017 - Violet in color. A touch cloudy. 15.9% ABV. A fifty fifty blend of Carlisle Vineyard and Montafi Vineyard after both were ravaged by the heat spike in 2010. Scrumptious nose of red and black fruits, flowers and white pepper. Full bodied with exquisite acidity. The balance is noteworthy. Plush and juicy. Raspberry compote, black cherry and more pepper on the palate. Well made Zinfandel from a grueling vintage. Drink over the next few years.
March 12, 2017 - I've had bad luck with this bottling. Hot alcoholic mess, again. Very unusual for Mike's wines, so I assume this is an aberration.