First of two from the recent large, private party purchase (hard to assign a price to individual bottles, but around $35). Small taste, then about 45 minutes of air, which, IMO, it doesn't need. On the nose and palate, rich, ripe dark berries, black cherries, plums, raisins, cassis, smoked meats, earth, garrigue, leather, kalamata olives, espresso and a note of port, especially on the nose. Deep purple with a hint of black, medium+ bodied and legs. Medium- tannins, no acidity discernible, no heat, despite the port note and the 15.9% abv. Medium+ complexity, medium intensity and persistence. I had a good run of higher end California syrahs a couple of months ago--Araujo, Keplinger and Andremily--of which this is most similar to the last, although it doesn't have its power or structure. This wine could have been a delicious but somewhat unbalanced high 80s fruit bomb, but its savory notes turn it from a pretty good to a very good wine. Still, it can't get above that bar because of the absence of acidity, which, as in a good CdP, could have balanced its port-y note and given the wine more elegance. The savory notes made it a decent complement to the sausage and polenta, but its port-y note made it even better with chocolate; nevertheless, there's more than a bit of a cocktail wine aspect to this effort. Not ridiculously expensive even at retail, let alone at what I paid, yet with the great reviews this bottling regularly garners, both from the pros and CT, ever so slightly disappointing. I'd still likely purchase again at my price, unless a Keplinger was somewhere in sight. With the paucity of acidity and light tannins, I'll be drinking my other bottle within the next year and would advise others to think about doing the same. 91-92
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Took to a party, so no detailed notes. Smells and tastes the way a syrah should - blueberries with hints of herbs, leather, and grilled meat. Rich, with a solid finish. Holding up very well.
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PnP. Last bottle of a very sentimental wine for me. By far the best showing. Big but so balanced with layers of flavor throughout all aspects of the wine. What stood out the most was some very unique spice characteristics in the mid palate through the finish.
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Better showing that previous bottle. Back to form and a very nice bottle of Syrah. A touch of sweetness but in general this was good to go. Deeply colored, but lighter on the palate. Great with food. Ready now.
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Surprisingly one dimensional. Sweet berry compote and not much else. Was a disappointing showing and hoping just an off bottle as I have two more remaining. Dark purple coloring (surprise, surprise), with slightly magenta rims. The wine just never got going. Missing the verve and structure that causes me to age my Carlisle Syrahs. Better luck next time...
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My first in 7 years. I probably would have finished these off a couple of years ago if I had thought of it, but that would have been a shame. Right in the sweet spot now. Pretty remarkable wine for the price point.
Flavor profile pretty much as I described it in 2012...
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Decanted for 2 hours. Aromas of bacon day, cherry, raspberry and pepper. Flavors of raspberry, cherry, boysenberry and chocolate ganache. Ends with a big finish of 35+ seconds of cherry and raspberry. This is still a very big wine and drinking very young still. I have a cold cellar but if stored properly has a ways to go.
Update: this lost a little something as I was drinking it. Downgraded the score 1 point. Still nice but not as optimistic about the long term drinking future.
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Agree with Don S. - drink up on this one. Nose of bacon, game and blue fruits. Lots of meaty flavors on the palate along with dark cherry. Acidity present but waning - tannins fully resolved. Lacking on mid-palate and finish is clipped but this is still a tasty, enjoyable Cali Syrah.
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Dark berries, black currants, earthy notes..very concentrated dark berry notes..nice balance of fruit and alcohol, long lingering finish w/ notes of black berries, tobacco and clove. This wine is very approachable now but will continue to evolve for the next 5 years.
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Briefly decanted and consumed over the next couple of hours. An earthy wine that probably needs a little more time. There are other iterations that my palate enjoys more.
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PnP with a nose that leaps out of the glass with blackberry jam. On PnP and with some time in the glass, this shows the high alcohol level with jammy fruit and a layer of spice box. That said, I enjoyed it at times.
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This is balanced. It’s big, juicy and hedonistic. I could use more complexity especially on the savory side. For new world fans this is a ripper! Drinks well now but should cellar for a while as it tastes young.
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A consistent favorite among Mike's syrahs. At 8 years in this has held up remarkably well. Still vibrant and fresh with a nice balance of blue fruit and savory, saline meatiness. Best of New World and Old World character. Drink up or hold a bit longe.
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More savory notes. Dark berries and some iron elements. Palate is on the richer side (obviously) but still has nice acidity. Very nice showing. Definitely worth the coin these are going for these days.
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Read Wine Warriors review because my comments would be exactly as he described the wine down to the green stemmy taste that doesn't detract from the wine. I would only add I was shocked the wine is 15.5% alcohol because you don't taste it. It's not hot at all. Carlisle Syrahs always shine. Amazing QPR
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Dark nearly black color, nose is a dead ringer for the forthcoming taste. Weight is medium light. Taste is bold but not over-extracted. Slightly jammy. Blackberry, licorice, oak, pepper and spice. There is plenty to taste. Has a green/woody flavor after the mid-palette, that I am not a fan of, however, tannins and fruit suggest this has more time but I do not think this will improve dramatically, I think it will mello and fade. Very nice wine. Amazing for the price.
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Exactly as expected, consistent with Carlisle house style and variety and place of origin. Sage/underbrush, black pepper, purplish fruits. In its drinking window but no hurry.
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This one is really in prime shape. Right from the first pour, classic meaty Syrah profile explodes from the glass. Menthol, graphite, eucalyptus, with a bright zip of lemon/orange acidity elevating the finish. Total winner. Drink or hold, but I'm not the least bit sorry I opened it.
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I opened CT intending to write a note on this wine today, but my thoughts are exactly the same as my March 1 note, score and all. Maybe a touch less sweetness. Carlisle house style really shines in this bottle, with that Citrus-like acidic finish. In a great drinking window.
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Less of a pure fruit bomb than I expected. Drank after a few hours of air. Showed some dried herb tones on the nose among dry black fruits. Palate has a good black cherry & blackberry core. Finish shows a touch of heat, a bit of oak influence that I liked, and a good mix of fruit and herb flavors.
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I am such a fan of Carlisle. Mike Officer has an impeccable ability to capture the essence of the old vineyards that he stewards. The combination of intensity and freshness has become his trademark. Great wine. Wish I had more left.
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Certainly a big wine, but very well balanced with acidity. Complex nose of dark fruit, blackberry, blueberry, smoke, a little pepper. On the palate, same dark fruits plus a jolly rancher candy-like taste, finishing with a grapefruit/citrus feeling acidity that really cuts through the weight of the wine and lifts the profile. Very enjoyable.
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I opened this for our 2/12/17 smoked beef back rib dinner. It had a vivid, expressive and elegant bouquet of smoked meat, blackberry, blueberry, plum, candied berry, mocha and spice cake aromas. The palate was rich, dense, tart and dry with flavors of blackberry, blueberry, mulberry, mocha, toast and baking spice. 93+
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Very Good Reds with Luis (St. Genevieve): A 1 hour decant, this was completely in your face, brooding, angry, and turned a bit foul on the finish. I don't think this wine was in a good place tonight.
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An Interesting Mix at St. G (St. Genevieve, Mpls, MN): Dark purple red color. Decanted 1 hour; drank 1 glass over 45 minutes. Drank next to the '07 version which was in a good place. This was green, dark, massive, intense black fruits, firm tannins.
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This had a rich, dense and elegant bouquet of smoke, smoked meat, plum, blueberry, blackberry, burnt toast, mocha, pepper and spice aromas. The palate was dense, layered and dry with flavors of plum, blueberry, blackberry, burnt toast, mocha, mineral, pepper and spice.
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Almost black. Dark rich fruit and very juicy(in a good way). Deep flavors, not much heat, tame tannins and ready to go. Not overly complex but a fun wine.
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Ok different from last bottle. This wine has surprised me based on my last tasting. Shows much more grit and muscle. Great fruit and tannin to spare, long finish and oak but not in a bad way just very present. Based on my last review I would suggest that given the inconstant reviews we have one of three situations, A- bottle variation ( hard to swallow with such small production) B- I was over indulged on my last review or C- I have over enjoyed the cellar tonight. I am going with all the above, anyone that has this wine in stock should chime in. I have recorded tonight's bottle and will revisit and record tomorrow in a ' first taste' opportunity Aloha
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Upon opening wine was a little "different" best I can describe. Maybe still closed. Could taste that the wine was still good. After about an hour the wine really openned up. The dark rich fruit was all there and great mouth feel with a spicy finish. One of my favorite Cali Syrahs.
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Excellent all around. Dark purple with medium legs. Nose is rich and full - dark purple fruit - black berry, dark cherry. The Viognier comes through on the nose. Palate is earthy and rich. Boysenberry, cherry plum, blackberry - all well balanced. Long finish. Excellent all around. Only bottle I had - hope the 2011 is as good!
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Slow-ox for 60 minutes. Really tasty at 90 minutes. Rich and smooth. Hint sweetness. Fruit. Drink or hold (for a couple of years). Hope you have more patience than I do.
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The missus snagged when I was OOT giving the boards. She's a big fan. Lots of ripe red and blue fruit, very up front wine. Not being proud, I sampled the last tablespoon in the bottom of the bottle. Had a little too much cherry candy for me.
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Big, bold, viscous and long with a cured meat funk that gave it complexity. Solid showing on day two. In a good place now and for at least a few more years.
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Dark garnet color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of violets, boysenberries and a hint of roasted meat. Flavors of boysenberries, plum and black cherries. Medium acidity, medium tannin, full bodied. Drink or hold. This wine had a decent amount of sediment so standing and decanting is recommended.
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Same as my specific notes from 8/19/2015. My last bottle. Ended up being a good Syrah with a very good QPR. Nothing earth-shattering, but a pleasant drink nonetheless. Papa's Block is consistently the best Syrah Mike Officer produces each vintage.
Drink now. No decant.
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Big wine, extremely dark color, teeth and lip staining dark purple. Very aromatic, with funky cured meat and cheese aromas mixed with blue and black fruits on the nose. Plush and full on the palate with the blue and black fruits, smoke and echoes of the cured meat and some earthiness. Balanced and holds it 15%+ alcohol very well. A style I've gravitated away from over the years, but I enjoyed this one.
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On night two there's only one glass left that I was glad was held over. Seemed a little more assertive while picking up chocolate. More like a fat petit sirah with bluer fruit. Went great with a spicy veggie burger.
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The tip of the cork is black as fuck. This is the opaquestly most opaque wine I've seen in a bit. Smells like a Parmesan warehouse filled with roasted meat. On the palate its unctuous with ripe black currant and blackberry showing a simple attack. Delicious and creamy after some airtime. Went perfect with a grilled ribeye and Caesar.
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Dark garnet to purple color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of currants, meat and Kirsch. Flavors of Kirsch, plums and raspberries. Medium acidity, medium to firm tannin, full bodied. Drink with air or continue to hold.
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Pepper, red fruit, and on the nose some raspberry. Had in Zalto universal...first time using them. Wouldn't have guessed 15.5 for abv. Would have thought 14.9. Save last one until 2019.
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If one was to analyze viscosity, this would have to get highest possible marks! Almost thick and made a 2009 Hacienda Monasterio seem almost lightbodied in comparison. Other than that, see MTOLERICOs note below, which sums up this bottle nicely.
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As others have noted, blackberry, blueberry, and black olive notes. What distinguishes this wine over the other Carlisle Syrahs is the interplay between the subtle meaty notes and distinct Papa's Block charcoal and asphalt notes. A push of wood smoke and forest floor drive this syrah into a realm that surpasses Mike Officer's other Syrahs.
This Syrah defines what I think Officer's Syrahs should be (especially of the early 2000 era of Carlisle). He has throttled-back the richness of his wine over the years (which for me has been a tad disappointing), but the Papa's remains the last of the Mohicans. This IS the one you want to get over the others.
The 2010 is ready to drink now. A slow O2 allows for some secondary nuances of smoke, vanillin wood, cedar, and earth notes, but it is ready to PnP for the most part now. Enjoy for the next few years.
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Wines At Our Table; Week of August 2nd 2015; 7/27/2015-8/2/2015: Opaque violet purple color with very appealing bacon fat, mixed blackberry and blueberry compote with a hint of floral aromas. On the palate, it's medium-bodied and focused, with ample fruit deftly counter-balanced with very good acidity and a supple texture and well integrated tannins. It shows blackberry, blueberry, vanilla, peppery spice flavors with hints of red currant, bittersweet chocolate and plum. Long finish. 95% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre. 1% Viognier. 15.5% alcohol
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It's release day so I thought I would pop one and i'm glad I did. Dark fruit blackberry, blueberry with meaty olives. Good balance of acid, bright and delicious.
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I waited a couple years between bottles, with the last being in 2013. Opened this bottle last night, as I wanted something from the cellar that was a bit more fruit centric, plusher--so, go with the Papa's as this consistently delivers. Here is the thing for me with Mike's syrahs, what I like about them. They give me fruit with plusher textures. And yet, they have edges. Let's use this Papa's to make my point. First off, dark color, mainly a maroonish purple. There is the Carlisle texture, where there is a gentle, full palate presentation, not of the leaner side of things. This is labeled at 15.9% abv, and yet there is no booze nor distraction within the aromatic. And I wonder if the abv is lower, as I don't feel bonked the head after a glass, FWIW. And to the point about having edges, this wine exhibits the imprint of whole cluster--garrigue, cooked meat, steak sauce, pepper, yet wrapped around all that is the plusher, dark raspberry and blackberry fruit. Oh, and there's acidity too. This ain't flabby or unbalanced, as there is a lively zing that sits in the finish of the wine, along with good structure. All in, this is just great CA syrah. I'm really lasered down to just a few syrah producers, and really mostly the fragile palate stuff that lies in the low abv spectrum of things. However, with Mike's syrahs, with the Papa's, Rosella's and the AVA cuvees, these remain on my purchase list. Mike's syrahs provide a great counterpoint to Copain and Wind Gap, more like the Riverain syrahs, and all of them fit on my short list for syrah I buy now and enjoy. Love this 2010 Papa's.
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Dinner with Friends (Edwin's/Our Backyard by the Fire): I know this was young, but that's how my wife loves her wines. It turned out everyone else did too. Pop and pour, this showed great from the get go and kept improving until it was drained a short time later. Purple in color. The nose has black olives, black raspberries, black pepper and slight grilled meats. Great juicy, lush texture. Very easy to drink. Great with our food.
This one is ripe for the taking. From the first pour, it gives loads of meaty black fruits. Perhaps the best part, though, is the rich cocoa/mocha overtone that keeps it compelling and holds everything together. A rich, but balanced, treat. It will likely be fine for a few years, but my remaining bottles won't last that long.
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Decanted for an hour and drank over the next 90 minutes. Deep black fruit with olive interlaced. Red fruit which was slightly out of place appeared in the middle.
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Big fruit maybe a little flabby right now. Tannins soft and sweet. Great start good middle but the end floats away leaving me wondering what just happened. Overall I like it and I wish I could rate it higher. Will try on the next bottle. Overall a really good wine and maybe I was just expecting a little more.
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Popped and poured. Deep purple/violet, youthful. Expressive aromas immediately off the pop of black pepper, crushed stones, spicy oak and dark fruits, the latter two elements gaining prominence with aeration. Medium-plus body. More fruit on the palate and even more stony mineral notes. Nicely balanced with smooth, well-integrated tannins on the plus close. Drinking nicely right now and will age for many years, great stuff.
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At a buddy's house, my contribution for the evening. It's predecessor, Tom's bottle of Sanguis Misfit, took a back seat three cars behind this one, which was a unanimous feeling at the table. I can't think of a label that pound for pound delivers the goods better than Carlisle. In greek we say "axios" to those that are worthy-this bottle warrants such designation.
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expressive nose with a little garrigue, dark fruit. good balance with bright acid balancing the tannins and high alcohol--about 15%. I think it could use another 2 to 4 years to balance everything out and would probably match the other scores-clearly well made but not integrated yet.
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This was our 5th bottle of this wine and by far the best even with a pop and pour. One of our favorite of Mike's syrahs which we find drink best after a few years of age. Over 15% alcohol but doesn't show it. If you have any of these left in your cellar you are very lucky. Drink now or over the coming 3-5 years.
Decanted 30 minutes. Big, textured Syrah. Raspberry liqueur, mint, graphite, red plum, black cherry. Very tasty, though not complex or interesting enough for me to buy more. Drink now-2020.
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Distinctly Carlisle. Fresh and elegant yet profoundly intense. Notes of raspberry, pepper and thyme. Very youthful but also forthcoming - should keep for at least a decade.
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Everything there. No formal note, but this was stellar, with lots of fruit, clove, and black pepper, but a light mouthfeel and no heat on a long finish. Acid really helps keep this in balance. Really lovely and a reminder of why I buy as much Papa's Block as they'll sell me (and then some!). Unbelievable value.
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Opaque purple ruby black. Evolving, rich nose included blackberry, mint, cured meat, crushed rocks, and raspberry liqueur. Full, rich, thick in the mouth, sporting lots of intense and detailed flavors, finishing long. Hedonistic, and unabashedly American; I don't think you could confuse this with something from Northern Rhone, but that's not a negative. It's loud and proud. Should drink like this for another 5-8 yrs, perhaps, before it turns down the volume a bit.
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Virtually nothing to change from a 11 months ago: Deep red-purple, almost opaque color. All smoke and blueberry flavors. Terrific warm vintage fruit that is almost sweet with underlying cool climate herbal notes and textures. Beautiful balance of fruit and savory notes. Rich mouth feel but completely balanced with well integrated tannins. Papa's Block is always my top Carlisle syrah and this may be the best one yet.
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Opened and served immediately. Followed over about 90 minutes.
Dark garnet color in the glass, fairly clear looking. Nose of raspberries, berries, leather and smoke. Flavors of raspberries, plums, berries and a hint of cherries. Medium acidity, medium tannin, full bodied. Drink now with a little air time or over the next 2-6 years. Best guess.
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Very much in line with last notes on 10/28/13. Really nice Papa's but not the best vintage as the lacking tannins (just as in the last bottle) keep this from being a total knock out wine. With that said 92 points is no poor showing.
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Consumed without decanting. Very nice dark, somewhat spicy red fruit without much of a nose. There is nice balance, but it seems just a bit thin in the mid-palate. There are no off flavors, but something that let's one know this wine is different.
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This is young and needs air to come together, that said, it's still drinking very well right now. Combination of dark fruit, earth, spice and oak. Thick and dark. Decant at least 90 min.
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See previous notes. The palate has undoubtedly improved. The tarragon, boysenberry, then soy sauce and melted licorice really reverberate. So much finesse and evident layers. Please decant for two hours, at least. Creamy.... Drink 2015 - 2022.
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Okay so I need to do a better job checking on my notes before I pull bottles from the cellar....the flavor profile is consistent with my previous note, and I agree this will be better with age, although this bottle opened up a little more than my previous bottle hence the slight improvement in score. Great Syrah but I do recommend more time!!
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Nose: Fabulous aromas of blackberry jam, blueberries with all kinds of assorted herbs and creosote. Another reviewer mentioned sawdust (Rmonty below) which is a great descriptor and I agree. Palate: Very lush and soft with plush black and blue fruits although there is very little tannin which makes me wonder about longevity. There is still good acidity and some tannin but I think it best to consume this over the next 1-2 years. Drinking great right now with a medium to long finish and good lift thanks to the acidity. Solid! 92+ points.
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Deep, dark color. Eucalyptus, toasted oak and sawdust on nose. Lively acidity with high, dry tannins. Flavors of blueberry crumb cake, black currant, Asian spice & cedar box. Recommend laying down for 2-4 more years (has potential to reach 95+ points).
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A Stain the glass sort of wine when poured. Dark berry fruit with a touch of espresso. Tightly wound and not ready even with a decant to open up yet. Sit on this baby for its true potential.
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Wow! Coming along nicely. Deep red-purple, almost opaque. All smoke and blueberry flavors. Terrific warm vintage fruit that is almost sweet with underlying cool climate herbal notes and textures. Rich mouth feel but completely balanced with integrated tannins. Papa's Block is always my top Carlisle syrah and this may be the best one yet.
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Aerated into decanter and drank over 90 minutes. This is full of dark fruit and deep and dense. Finish showed some spice. Can't wait to drink over a longer period of time with better stems.
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Great nose, actually has a sqn component to it, palate has great extraction and balance and is not overdone with the toasted oak as can sometimes be the case. Really nice!
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92+ Points. Decanted for about 30 minutes then serially tasted over 2 hours. Served around 60-65 degrees.
Immediately off the nose, bright blackberries and boysenberry fruit. There's some oak influence here as well with a bacon fat element too. On the palate there's huge, extracted ripe black fruits that are almost unwieldy in nature followed by gravel/asphalt, notes of black olive and dark chocolate covered espresso beans. The coffee/chocolate characteristics are awfully prominent in the back end and the mid-palate is wound up with nearly overwhelming fruit and tarry/smoke characteristics.
The wine proves to be almost too much early on but with greater aeration the almost glycerin, grapey fruit develops some clarity and greater depth as ripe blackcurrants begin to emerge along with nuances of cedar and charcoal. (with the chocolate, espresso bean character remaining). Wildberry fruit came and went as well, contrasting against the menacing currant, olive and gravelly asphalt notes. There's enough acid here to brings some delineation to the wine's character but texturally it's a real mouthful and the wine virtually dominates the palate at times.
Overall, the wine reminded me of some Languedoc wines but with a far more sinister edge. It certainly has a visceral appeal as it's quite hedonistic but I found it almost fatiguing at times. My estimation is that it's a pretty dramatic wine that needs additional time for the fruit to come into balance and the mid-palate to resolve (it's pretty wound up). It's a quality wine for sure with plenty of stuffing and density on the mid-palate, but isn't quite harmonious yet. Give it another 3-5 years and it may be a seriously pretty wine with far more focus and nuance.
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Rich nose showing game, bramble, and dark lush fruit. The palate doesn't totally follow suit as it displays more a bite with the acidity. Nice balance however the finish is a bit disjointed.
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I brought this to dinner with my valentine this evening. I didn't air it out before dinner so I just had it opened and enjoyed about a 1/3rd of the bottle over dinner. Getting home, figured I'd sample a quick bit more while I have the chance to really taste it. Mixed aromatic of smoke, garrigue and flowers (which was more prominent when the bottle was first opened). Palate exhibits lots of dark, smooth fruit, cooked meat/jerkey ala say a Rosella's/Garys' note, finishing with tar, bitter chocolate (light note of it) and licorice. There is a fair amount of acid in the finish but I see this as more of an early drinker, say now through 2015. As a final note, there seems to be a reflection of whole cluster in here, through the garrigue and an olive note, which I enjoy.
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I agree with the others in that this is drinking really well for a young syrah. Lots of blueberry, some charcoal. Not particular complex, but enjoyable for its pure fruit and balanced structure. This has good acidity for a big wine and it has a long finish. The words hedonistic and oppulent come to mine, but this is done well for that style.
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What an incredible syrah that is drinking great now and has lots of upside. I usually give my Carlisle syrahs at least 3 years to age but this one is really drinking so well now there is no reason to wait.
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Very enjoyable, and surprising given its youth. Not a whole lot of tannins, and not a whole lot of syrah characteristics. A very drinkable wine but I wonder if this will develop over the years. We'll see. Comparable: Brad Peacock.
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Delicious, full-bodied blackberry fruit with ample tannins and white pepper, black olive, and earthy flavors, very good structure, medium finish, tart, very good QPR
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I know the joke about syrah and the clap, but nobody would tell that joke if everybody made syrah this way. Very clean, precise wine. Not the saxum, sqn, lillian type style (which I adore) with viscosity, but just a hint of a more French style, a little meaty, a little spicy, not much pepper. Some blueberries. A great effort. A tremendous value at the price point.
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Smoke, bacon, deep savory blues and blacks. Nice pepper bite and just slightly tart. Enjoyable and well made. 30 - 40 minutes and it is open for business.
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Exceptionally delicious wine with beautiful balance and structure. Dark fruit with a touch of spice and perfectly integrated oak. I would rate higher but it didn't have enough complexity in my book.
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One hour decant, consumed over several hours. Initially, very primary and grapey but opened up nicely into dark fruits with a pleasant smokey element. Medium bodied with very well balanced and integrated tannins, acid and fruit. Very drinkable now, should evolve nicely for 5-7 years.
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Very serious and made for a nice slumber. Drink 2014 - 2027. Tarragon, boysenberry, plum-sauce, salty mineral, black cherry and pumpkin spice. Structured and polished tannins - the latent acidity is still there - and not the most concentrated; yet don't doubt the depth in colour, per usual. Exemplifies terroir and backwards in a Cote Rotie sort of way. Long on the fatty finish.
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Inky violet color with aromatic aromas of tobacco, spice, and dark fruits. On the palate it's focused, balanced, and smooth with cassis, plum, blackberry, spice and a hint of bittersweet chocolate flavors. Long finish...an excellent wine! 15.5 alcohol 95%Syrah, 4%Mourvèdre, 1%Viognier
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Fruity nose with a full body. Lots of blackberry, with dark cherry and hints of toast and cocoa. Almost jammy at first, more like a zinfandel or fruit forward cab. But, smoothed out after 10 minutes with good balance. A tad light on acidity and tannins, but still has sufficient structure. Finishes well. Very approachable and enjoyed by all at the table. Served with pork chops and a hearty salmon with cream sauce. Think I'll hold off opening another bottle for at least a year.
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Pop/pour, no decant. Initially, I was thinking "wow, this is really open for a young Carlisle Syrah". Super lush initially. After 15 minutes it closes up quite a bit, becoming considerably more tight. On the nose, deep rich red fruit and a healthy dollop of oak. I don't get the meat / game notes that I've noticed in other Carlisle syrahs from earlier vintages. On the palate, well made but tight. A good decant or a 2-4 years would be helpful. If this tracks as other Carlisles, the leftovers will be better on Day 2. Update - Day 2 - indeed better, but still a touch tight, particularly on the finish, which has a bit of an inky iodine clipping to it. I'd probably hide this away for a couple of years. 91 points both days.
One of these days I'm going to pull a bunch of Carlisle and a bunch of Bedrock - pull a whole lot of corks, invite a bunch of friends and have a Syrah / Zin throwdown. I'm a big fan of both, but haven't really lined them up side-by-side. I think it might be educational.
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Decanted for about an hour before having with bison burgers. Aroma is dark fruit and tobacco. Taste has coffee and dark fruit. Good wine, but not sure about the price point.
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No detailed notes. Struck me as being rounder and less structured than I expected. Great syrah nose of pepper and meat. Palate rather soft and round, almost flabby but has enough acidity to keep it together. Moderate mocha finish. Not as strong as prior years but still a nice expression of the vintage and varietal.
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Very good extraction, blackberry and black cassis, with some interesting tropical fruit intermixed. Finish is not completely balanced with a ton of oak... My rating is based on potential.
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This was decanted an hour before drinking. Nice nose of blackberries and French oak. Agreed with other notes, there is a serious yum factor here with lush blackberries, plums, mid-palate transitioning to dark chocolate, and finishing with a smokiness and exotic spice. This could use some time for the oak to integrate and become less obtrusive, but I don't know how to comment on the age-worthiness of a wine like this, as this begs to be drunk and my remaining bottles will be gone within the next couple years..
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Felt justified in cracking this one, as Mike recommended trying it sooner than later. This one cranks the yum factor to 11, no doubt. While not especially complex, it dishes up nice blackberry, salumi, and espresso aromas, and pours on the rich berry, spice, and faint earthy flavors in a balanced but lush style. A touch of grip and stemmy quality on the back end, but nothing that would keep me from opening it again soon. Doubt these will last long at all. Not a cerebral wine per se, but hugely enjoyable, balanced, and well-made.
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Delicious - opened with some trepidation since it had not been in the cellar long since it arrived from the winery after its cross country trip and I had broken my rule about waiting 6 to 8 weeks after arrival before opening the first bottle. A bit tight when I first pulled the cork causing me to wish at that point that I hadn't been so impatient., but within a half hour the full flavor was emerging and it was drinking very nicely. It is not as bold as other Papa's Blocks we've enjoyed. It is still a big wine but compared with prior vintages, we found this to be a more subtle, refined wine at this stage with a lingering finish - I can still taste it as I write this note and it has been about an hour since my last sip. Not sure at this point if this will be typical of the 2010 Carlisle Syrahs, but I hope so since this is a delicious wine that will be tough to leave in the cellar to give it a chance to age. If only I had more bottles.
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11/14/2020 - sfwinelover1 Likes this wine: 91 Points
First of two from the recent large, private party purchase (hard to assign a price to individual bottles, but around $35). Small taste, then about 45 minutes of air, which, IMO, it doesn't need. On the nose and palate, rich, ripe dark berries, black cherries, plums, raisins, cassis, smoked meats, earth, garrigue, leather, kalamata olives, espresso and a note of port, especially on the nose. Deep purple with a hint of black, medium+ bodied and legs. Medium- tannins, no acidity discernible, no heat, despite the port note and the 15.9% abv. Medium+ complexity, medium intensity and persistence. I had a good run of higher end California syrahs a couple of months ago--Araujo, Keplinger and Andremily--of which this is most similar to the last, although it doesn't have its power or structure. This wine could have been a delicious but somewhat unbalanced high 80s fruit bomb, but its savory notes turn it from a pretty good to a very good wine. Still, it can't get above that bar because of the absence of acidity, which, as in a good CdP, could have balanced its port-y note and given the wine more elegance. The savory notes made it a decent complement to the sausage and polenta, but its port-y note made it even better with chocolate; nevertheless, there's more than a bit of a cocktail wine aspect to this effort. Not ridiculously expensive even at retail, let alone at what I paid, yet with the great reviews this bottling regularly garners, both from the pros and CT, ever so slightly disappointing. I'd still likely purchase again at my price, unless a Keplinger was somewhere in sight. With the paucity of acidity and light tannins, I'll be drinking my other bottle within the next year and would advise others to think about doing the same. 91-92
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10/1/2020 - Jettoy1992 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drinking perfectly after 60 min decant
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6/24/2020 - Tonyboons33 Likes this wine: 92 Points
In a great spot right now. Moderate sediment, really nice profile and balance between fruit and earth.
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6/5/2020 - bablues wrote: 92 Points
Has the deliciousness factor, though not as the complex as the '10 Saxum James Berry.
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3/1/2020 - Night Train Likes this wine: 92 Points
Took to a party, so no detailed notes. Smells and tastes the way a syrah should - blueberries with hints of herbs, leather, and grilled meat. Rich, with a solid finish. Holding up very well.
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2/18/2020 - Backdoctor wrote: 92 Points
What a great syrah. Well made, balanced, drinking great.
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9/15/2019 - williamswhine Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very dark, deep. Great with rib eye steak on the grill. Classic Syrah. Time to drink!! Long finish.
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9/12/2019 - PSUSteve Likes this wine: 94 Points
PnP. Last bottle of a very sentimental wine for me. By far the best showing. Big but so balanced with layers of flavor throughout all aspects of the wine. What stood out the most was some very unique spice characteristics in the mid palate through the finish.
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8/3/2019 - dougie Likes this wine: 92 Points
Liked best after 4 hours.
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5/2/2019 - btock wrote: 90 Points
Better showing that previous bottle. Back to form and a very nice bottle of Syrah. A touch of sweetness but in general this was good to go. Deeply colored, but lighter on the palate. Great with food. Ready now.
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3/7/2019 - dsimmons Likes this wine: 90 Points
PnP and drank with braised pork shoulder. Loads of fruit , integrated tannin, good acidity. Had a glass on second day and I would say it was better.
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3/3/2019 - stevenjstein wrote: flawed
Probably a case of volatile acidity. Intense, stinky, red fruit on the nose, but just bitter flavors on the palate.
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2/9/2019 - btock wrote: 87 Points
Surprisingly one dimensional. Sweet berry compote and not much else. Was a disappointing showing and hoping just an off bottle as I have two more remaining. Dark purple coloring (surprise, surprise), with slightly magenta rims. The wine just never got going. Missing the verve and structure that causes me to age my Carlisle Syrahs. Better luck next time...
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1/30/2019 - dougie Likes this wine: 93 Points
Poured off a glass and waited an hour. Ready to drink. Most age I’ve had with a Carlisle Syrah- impressive! Drink last one through 2020.
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1/27/2019 - jaylew1 wrote: 94 Points
My first in 7 years. I probably would have finished these off a couple of years ago if I had thought of it, but that would have been a shame. Right in the sweet spot now. Pretty remarkable wine for the price point.
Flavor profile pretty much as I described it in 2012...
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12/15/2018 - slywka7 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decanted for 2 hours. Aromas of bacon day, cherry, raspberry and pepper. Flavors of raspberry, cherry, boysenberry and chocolate ganache. Ends with a big finish of 35+ seconds of cherry and raspberry. This is still a very big wine and drinking very young still. I have a cold cellar but if stored properly has a ways to go.
Update: this lost a little something as I was drinking it. Downgraded the score 1 point. Still nice but not as optimistic about the long term drinking future.
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12/1/2018 - Rajbusto Does not like this wine:
Oak heavy
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11/20/2018 - H2OGEO Likes this wine: 90 Points
Ready to drink.
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10/21/2018 - bound4er wrote: 90 Points
Agree with Don S. - drink up on this one. Nose of bacon, game and blue fruits. Lots of meaty flavors on the palate along with dark cherry. Acidity present but waning - tannins fully resolved. Lacking on mid-palate and finish is clipped but this is still a tasty, enjoyable Cali Syrah.
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10/21/2018 - dsimmons Likes this wine: 89 Points
This was a good bottle drank with Braised pork shoulder. Hoping for a bit more concentration and intensity. I would be drinking these.
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7/4/2018 - GLum Likes this wine: 94 Points
Dark berries, black currants, earthy notes..very concentrated dark berry notes..nice balance of fruit and alcohol, long lingering finish w/ notes of black berries, tobacco and clove. This wine is very approachable now but will continue to evolve for the next 5 years.
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6/18/2018 - oenophilemoose wrote: 91 Points
Briefly decanted and consumed over the next couple of hours. An earthy wine that probably needs a little more time. There are other iterations that my palate enjoys more.
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4/8/2018 - PSUSteve wrote: 91 Points
PnP with a nose that leaps out of the glass with blackberry jam. On PnP and with some time in the glass, this shows the high alcohol level with jammy fruit and a layer of spice box. That said, I enjoyed it at times.
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4/4/2018 - ephorn Likes this wine: 93 Points
This is balanced. It’s big, juicy and hedonistic. I could use more complexity especially on the savory side. For new world fans this is a ripper! Drinks well now but should cellar for a while as it tastes young.
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2/11/2018 - rdf58 Likes this wine: 94 Points
A consistent favorite among Mike's syrahs. At 8 years in this has held up remarkably well. Still vibrant and fresh with a nice balance of blue fruit and savory, saline meatiness. Best of New World and Old World character. Drink up or hold a bit longe.
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2/10/2018 - pakabear Likes this wine: 93 Points
Out of magnum, this is ready to go and consistent with previous notes. Drink now over the next 3 years.
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12/10/2017 - beezer6 wrote: 92 Points
More savory notes. Dark berries and some iron elements. Palate is on the richer side (obviously) but still has nice acidity. Very nice showing. Definitely worth the coin these are going for these days.
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12/3/2017 - mjf@ulkner wrote: 92 Points
Funky, lots of savory notes. Smooth clean finish. Mellow- a bit of bottle time has made this really shine. Terrific tonight.
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10/21/2017 - WineGuyDelMar Likes this wine: 91 Points
Read Wine Warriors review because my comments would be exactly as he described the wine down to the green stemmy taste that doesn't detract from the wine. I would only add I was shocked the wine is 15.5% alcohol because you don't taste it. It's not hot at all. Carlisle Syrahs always shine. Amazing QPR
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10/15/2017 - Wine Warrior 1 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Dark nearly black color, nose is a dead ringer for the forthcoming taste. Weight is medium light. Taste is bold but not over-extracted. Slightly jammy. Blackberry, licorice, oak, pepper and spice. There is plenty to taste. Has a green/woody flavor after the mid-palette, that I am not a fan of, however, tannins and fruit suggest this has more time but I do not think this will improve dramatically, I think it will mello and fade. Very nice wine. Amazing for the price.
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9/9/2017 - amateurwino wrote: 96 Points
Exactly as expected, consistent with Carlisle house style and variety and place of origin. Sage/underbrush, black pepper, purplish fruits. In its drinking window but no hurry.
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8/5/2017 - swillpower wrote:
This one is really in prime shape. Right from the first pour, classic meaty Syrah profile explodes from the glass. Menthol, graphite, eucalyptus, with a bright zip of lemon/orange acidity elevating the finish. Total winner. Drink or hold, but I'm not the least bit sorry I opened it.
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8/2/2017 - Eric.S Likes this wine: 92 Points
I opened CT intending to write a note on this wine today, but my thoughts are exactly the same as my March 1 note, score and all. Maybe a touch less sweetness. Carlisle house style really shines in this bottle, with that Citrus-like acidic finish. In a great drinking window.
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7/21/2017 - cobbpa wrote: 91 Points
Less of a pure fruit bomb than I expected. Drank after a few hours of air. Showed some dried herb tones on the nose among dry black fruits. Palate has a good black cherry & blackberry core. Finish shows a touch of heat, a bit of oak influence that I liked, and a good mix of fruit and herb flavors.
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7/1/2017 - KristianT Likes this wine: 93 Points
I am such a fan of Carlisle. Mike Officer has an impeccable ability to capture the essence of the old vineyards that he stewards. The combination of intensity and freshness has become his trademark. Great wine. Wish I had more left.
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3/19/2017 - JohnnyShiraz Does not like this wine: 88 Points
Disappointing, still brooding. I don't know if this will ever come together. Tannins are smooth.
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3/1/2017 - Eric.S Likes this wine: 92 Points
Certainly a big wine, but very well balanced with acidity. Complex nose of dark fruit, blackberry, blueberry, smoke, a little pepper. On the palate, same dark fruits plus a jolly rancher candy-like taste, finishing with a grapefruit/citrus feeling acidity that really cuts through the weight of the wine and lifts the profile. Very enjoyable.
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2/18/2017 - Ceo wrote: 94 Points
Still impressed great wine!!
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2/12/2017 - garambler Likes this wine: 93 Points
I opened this for our 2/12/17 smoked beef back rib dinner. It had a vivid, expressive and elegant bouquet of smoked meat, blackberry, blueberry, plum, candied berry, mocha and spice cake aromas. The palate was rich, dense, tart and dry with flavors of blackberry, blueberry, mulberry, mocha, toast and baking spice. 93+
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2/3/2017 - galewskj wrote: 86 Points
Very Good Reds with Luis (St. Genevieve): A 1 hour decant, this was completely in your face, brooding, angry, and turned a bit foul on the finish. I don't think this wine was in a good place tonight.
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2/2/2017 - rocknroller wrote: 87 Points
An Interesting Mix at St. G (St. Genevieve, Mpls, MN): Dark purple red color. Decanted 1 hour; drank 1 glass over 45 minutes. Drank next to the '07 version which was in a good place. This was green, dark, massive, intense black fruits, firm tannins.
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1/29/2017 - garambler Likes this wine: 93 Points
This had a rich, dense and elegant bouquet of smoke, smoked meat, plum, blueberry, blackberry, burnt toast, mocha, pepper and spice aromas. The palate was dense, layered and dry with flavors of plum, blueberry, blackberry, burnt toast, mocha, mineral, pepper and spice.
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1/21/2017 - Skip4wine wrote: 92 Points
Almost black. Dark rich fruit and very juicy(in a good way). Deep flavors, not much heat, tame tannins and ready to go. Not overly complex but a fun wine.
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1/10/2017 - dutradan@msn.com Likes this wine: 92 Points
Ok different from last bottle. This wine has surprised me based on my last tasting. Shows much more grit and muscle. Great fruit and tannin to spare, long finish and oak but not in a bad way just very present. Based on my last review I would suggest that given the inconstant reviews we have one of three situations, A- bottle variation ( hard to swallow with such small production) B- I was over indulged on my last review or C- I have over enjoyed the cellar tonight. I am going with all the above, anyone that has this wine in stock should chime in. I have recorded tonight's bottle and will revisit and record tomorrow in a ' first taste' opportunity
Aloha
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12/31/2016 - bablues wrote: 93 Points
Didn't take detailed notes but remember this being amazing
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12/26/2016 - Hi.its.Don.4.Wine wrote: 93 Points
Upon opening wine was a little "different" best I can describe. Maybe still closed. Could taste that the wine was still good. After about an hour the wine really openned up. The dark rich fruit was all there and great mouth feel with a spicy finish. One of my favorite Cali Syrahs.
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12/11/2016 - Angle Gold Likes this wine: 90 Points
Gamey, bold dark fruit. Reasonably structured, but was expecting a little more balance.
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12/9/2016 - mjf@ulkner wrote: 90 Points
Ripe, full throttle Cali Syrah. Blackberry compote, a light touch of funk and cured meat on the finish. A nice QPR.
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11/23/2016 - Ecoenophile wrote: 93 Points
Excellent all around. Dark purple with medium legs. Nose is rich and full - dark purple fruit - black berry, dark cherry. The Viognier comes through on the nose. Palate is earthy and rich. Boysenberry, cherry plum, blackberry - all well balanced. Long finish. Excellent all around. Only bottle I had - hope the 2011 is as good!
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11/5/2016 - dhammer53 wrote: 91 Points
Slow-ox for 60 minutes. Really tasty at 90 minutes. Rich and smooth. Hint sweetness. Fruit. Drink or hold (for a couple of years). Hope you have more patience than I do.
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10/28/2016 - PSUSteve wrote: 91 Points
PnP off a restaurant wine list. Liked these less than previous bottles. Continue to feel the mid palate is disjointed. Not sure where this is headed.
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10/28/2016 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 92 Points
The missus snagged when I was OOT giving the boards. She's a big fan. Lots of ripe red and blue fruit, very up front wine. Not being proud, I sampled the last tablespoon in the bottom of the bottle. Had a little too much cherry candy for me.
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10/11/2016 - MV2007 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Big, bold, viscous and long with a cured meat funk that gave it complexity. Solid showing on day two. In a good place now and for at least a few more years.
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8/28/2016 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very good. Drinking well right now. Notes as before but an enjoyable full bodied wine.
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8/22/2016 - wineismylife wrote: 92 Points
WIML92
Tasted non blind.
Dark garnet color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of violets, boysenberries and a hint of roasted meat. Flavors of boysenberries, plum and black cherries. Medium acidity, medium tannin, full bodied. Drink or hold. This wine had a decent amount of sediment so standing and decanting is recommended.
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5/26/2016 - csimm wrote: 92 Points
Same as my specific notes from 8/19/2015. My last bottle. Ended up being a good Syrah with a very good QPR. Nothing earth-shattering, but a pleasant drink nonetheless. Papa's Block is consistently the best Syrah Mike Officer produces each vintage.
Drink now. No decant.
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5/16/2016 - Grape_ape Likes this wine:
Big wine, extremely dark color, teeth and lip staining dark purple. Very aromatic, with funky cured meat and cheese aromas mixed with blue and black fruits on the nose. Plush and full on the palate with the blue and black fruits, smoke and echoes of the cured meat and some earthiness. Balanced and holds it 15%+ alcohol very well. A style I've gravitated away from over the years, but I enjoyed this one.
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4/21/2016 - budman Likes this wine: 93 Points
Great bottle! Best of three, and unfortunately, the last. Deep dark color. Deep dark fruit.
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3/23/2016 - Drankthewholebottle Likes this wine: 93 Points
On night two there's only one glass left that I was glad was held over. Seemed a little more assertive while picking up chocolate. More like a fat petit sirah with bluer fruit. Went great with a spicy veggie burger.
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3/22/2016 - Drankthewholebottle Likes this wine: 93 Points
The tip of the cork is black as fuck. This is the opaquestly most opaque wine I've seen in a bit. Smells like a Parmesan warehouse filled with roasted meat. On the palate its unctuous with ripe black currant and blackberry showing a simple attack. Delicious and creamy after some airtime. Went perfect with a grilled ribeye and Caesar.
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3/16/2016 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Big wine. Had a little too much glycerine and candy flavors for my taste. Maybe needs to sit a few more years.
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3/10/2016 - csimm wrote: flawed
Corked. Dammit all!
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2/23/2016 - wineismylife wrote: 92 Points
WIML92
Tasted non blind.
Dark garnet to purple color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of currants, meat and Kirsch. Flavors of Kirsch, plums and raspberries. Medium acidity, medium to firm tannin, full bodied. Drink with air or continue to hold.
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2/6/2016 - Stumpy wrote: 91 Points
Not greatly complex but tasty with a steak.
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1/21/2016 - marka wrote: 90 Points
Pepper, red fruit, and on the nose some raspberry. Had in Zalto universal...first time using them. Wouldn't have guessed 15.5 for abv. Would have thought 14.9. Save last one until 2019.
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1/2/2016 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decanted 90 minutes. Bold fruit but has a bit of cherry syrup that detracts from the wine. Long finish.
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1/1/2016 - mdaniel wrote: 93 Points
Great first bottle of 2016! This is drinking very well right now.
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12/18/2015 - snarfglk wrote: 91 Points
A tad more refined vs power, but still a great bottle of wine.
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12/11/2015 - snarfglk wrote: 92 Points
Beautifully inky, aromatic and big syrah.
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9/8/2015 - SineQuaNon Likes this wine: 93 Points
If one was to analyze viscosity, this would have to get highest possible marks! Almost thick and made a 2009 Hacienda Monasterio seem almost lightbodied in comparison. Other than that, see MTOLERICOs note below, which sums up this bottle nicely.
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8/29/2015 - pakabear Likes this wine: 93 Points
Initially had Saxum like nose, very meaty, ham, bacon, smooth texture with toasted oak and a touch of heat. This is drinking very nice right now.
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8/19/2015 - csimm wrote: 93 Points
As others have noted, blackberry, blueberry, and black olive notes. What distinguishes this wine over the other Carlisle Syrahs is the interplay between the subtle meaty notes and distinct Papa's Block charcoal and asphalt notes. A push of wood smoke and forest floor drive this syrah into a realm that surpasses Mike Officer's other Syrahs.
This Syrah defines what I think Officer's Syrahs should be (especially of the early 2000 era of Carlisle). He has throttled-back the richness of his wine over the years (which for me has been a tad disappointing), but the Papa's remains the last of the Mohicans. This IS the one you want to get over the others.
The 2010 is ready to drink now. A slow O2 allows for some secondary nuances of smoke, vanillin wood, cedar, and earth notes, but it is ready to PnP for the most part now. Enjoy for the next few years.
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8/17/2015 - Matt T Likes this wine: 92 Points
A cool weather syrah vibe to this wine. Good acid, nice notes of fruit, oak, and leather. Drink or hold.
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7/30/2015 - Martin Redmond Likes this wine: 92 Points
Wines At Our Table; Week of August 2nd 2015; 7/27/2015-8/2/2015: Opaque violet purple color with very appealing bacon fat, mixed blackberry and blueberry compote with a hint of floral aromas. On the palate, it's medium-bodied and focused, with ample fruit deftly counter-balanced with very good acidity and a supple texture and well integrated tannins. It shows blackberry, blueberry, vanilla, peppery spice flavors with hints of red currant, bittersweet chocolate and plum. Long finish. 95%
Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre. 1% Viognier. 15.5% alcohol
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7/16/2015 - scott w Likes this wine: 92 Points
It's release day so I thought I would pop one and i'm glad I did. Dark fruit blackberry, blueberry with meaty olives. Good balance of acid, bright and delicious.
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7/15/2015 - ravbik wrote: 91 Points
Lush fruity Syrah . Softer edges.
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7/5/2015 - Frank Murray III wrote:
I waited a couple years between bottles, with the last being in 2013. Opened this bottle last night, as I wanted something from the cellar that was a bit more fruit centric, plusher--so, go with the Papa's as this consistently delivers. Here is the thing for me with Mike's syrahs, what I like about them. They give me fruit with plusher textures. And yet, they have edges. Let's use this Papa's to make my point. First off, dark color, mainly a maroonish purple. There is the Carlisle texture, where there is a gentle, full palate presentation, not of the leaner side of things. This is labeled at 15.9% abv, and yet there is no booze nor distraction within the aromatic. And I wonder if the abv is lower, as I don't feel bonked the head after a glass, FWIW. And to the point about having edges, this wine exhibits the imprint of whole cluster--garrigue, cooked meat, steak sauce, pepper, yet wrapped around all that is the plusher, dark raspberry and blackberry fruit. Oh, and there's acidity too. This ain't flabby or unbalanced, as there is a lively zing that sits in the finish of the wine, along with good structure. All in, this is just great CA syrah. I'm really lasered down to just a few syrah producers, and really mostly the fragile palate stuff that lies in the low abv spectrum of things. However, with Mike's syrahs, with the Papa's, Rosella's and the AVA cuvees, these remain on my purchase list. Mike's syrahs provide a great counterpoint to Copain and Wind Gap, more like the Riverain syrahs, and all of them fit on my short list for syrah I buy now and enjoy. Love this 2010 Papa's.
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7/4/2015 - cobbpa wrote: 86 Points
Large & dark. Full of glossy fruit, this was delicious but felt a bit boozy.
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7/4/2015 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 94 Points
Dinner with Friends (Edwin's/Our Backyard by the Fire): I know this was young, but that's how my wife loves her wines. It turned out everyone else did too. Pop and pour, this showed great from the get go and kept improving until it was drained a short time later. Purple in color. The nose has black olives, black raspberries, black pepper and slight grilled meats. Great juicy, lush texture. Very easy to drink. Great with our food.
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5/12/2015 - swillpower wrote:
This one is ripe for the taking. From the first pour, it gives loads of meaty black fruits. Perhaps the best part, though, is the rich cocoa/mocha overtone that keeps it compelling and holds everything together. A rich, but balanced, treat. It will likely be fine for a few years, but my remaining bottles won't last that long.
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5/8/2015 - PSUSteve Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted for an hour and drank over the next 90 minutes. Deep black fruit with olive interlaced. Red fruit which was slightly out of place appeared in the middle.
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4/6/2015 - dutradan@msn.com Likes this wine: 90 Points
Big fruit maybe a little flabby right now. Tannins soft and sweet. Great start good middle but the end floats away leaving me wondering what just happened. Overall I like it and I wish I could rate it higher. Will try on the next bottle. Overall a really good wine and maybe I was just expecting a little more.
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3/15/2015 - *Vine* wrote:
Popped and poured. Deep purple/violet, youthful. Expressive aromas immediately off the pop of black pepper, crushed stones, spicy oak and dark fruits, the latter two elements gaining prominence with aeration. Medium-plus body. More fruit on the palate and even more stony mineral notes. Nicely balanced with smooth, well-integrated tannins on the plus close. Drinking nicely right now and will age for many years, great stuff.
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2/22/2015 - B Paul wrote: 91 Points
Nice, as always, but this is a big, big wine. Drink or hold.
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1/12/2015 - greekwineaux wrote: 94 Points
At a buddy's house, my contribution for the evening. It's predecessor, Tom's bottle of Sanguis Misfit, took a back seat three cars behind this one, which was a unanimous feeling at the table. I can't think of a label that pound for pound delivers the goods better than Carlisle. In greek we say "axios" to those that are worthy-this bottle warrants such designation.
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1/11/2015 - mclancy10006 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Needs more time. Cherry leather and firm acidity. Visit again in 2+years
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1/10/2015 - jaumealaska wrote: 90 Points
expressive nose with a little garrigue, dark fruit. good balance with bright acid balancing the tannins and high alcohol--about 15%. I think it could use another 2 to 4 years to balance everything out and would probably match the other scores-clearly well made but not integrated yet.
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1/10/2015 - Screameagle Likes this wine: 94 Points
This was our 5th bottle of this wine and by far the best even with a pop and pour. One of our favorite of Mike's syrahs which we find drink best after a few years of age. Over 15% alcohol but doesn't show it. If you have any of these left in your cellar you are very lucky. Drink now or over the coming 3-5 years.
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1/6/2015 - Giggs wrote: 91 Points
Decanted 30 minutes. Big, textured Syrah. Raspberry liqueur, mint, graphite, red plum, black cherry. Very tasty, though not complex or interesting enough for me to buy more. Drink now-2020.
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1/3/2015 - KristianT Likes this wine: 93 Points
Distinctly Carlisle. Fresh and elegant yet profoundly intense. Notes of raspberry, pepper and thyme. Very youthful but also forthcoming - should keep for at least a decade.
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1/1/2015 - ews3 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Everything there. No formal note, but this was stellar, with lots of fruit, clove, and black pepper, but a light mouthfeel and no heat on a long finish. Acid really helps keep this in balance. Really lovely and a reminder of why I buy as much Papa's Block as they'll sell me (and then some!). Unbelievable value.
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11/30/2014 - nectar14 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Opaque purple ruby black. Evolving, rich nose included blackberry, mint, cured meat, crushed rocks, and raspberry liqueur. Full, rich, thick in the mouth, sporting lots of intense and detailed flavors, finishing long. Hedonistic, and unabashedly American; I don't think you could confuse this with something from Northern Rhone, but that's not a negative. It's loud and proud. Should drink like this for another 5-8 yrs, perhaps, before it turns down the volume a bit.
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10/22/2014 - mpricher wrote: 92 Points
Cellar clearing... Drank months ago. Loved it
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8/11/2014 - rdf58 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Virtually nothing to change from a 11 months ago: Deep red-purple, almost opaque color. All smoke and blueberry flavors. Terrific warm vintage fruit that is almost sweet with underlying cool climate herbal notes and textures. Beautiful balance of fruit and savory notes. Rich mouth feel but completely balanced with well integrated tannins. Papa's Block is always my top Carlisle syrah and this may be the best one yet.
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8/8/2014 - Ceo wrote: 94 Points
Plums rasp berry's with body and structure. Long finish. A great wine every year.
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7/28/2014 - lvjohn Likes this wine: 93 Points
This is remarkable wine! Rich, penetrating flavors of plums, black raspberries, spice, and pepper, but without ant sense of heaviness.
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7/26/2014 - wineismylife wrote: 92 Points
WIML92
Opened and served immediately. Followed over about 90 minutes.
Dark garnet color in the glass, fairly clear looking. Nose of raspberries, berries, leather and smoke. Flavors of raspberries, plums, berries and a hint of cherries. Medium acidity, medium tannin, full bodied. Drink now with a little air time or over the next 2-6 years. Best guess.
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7/19/2014 - SineQuaNon Likes this wine: 93 Points
Yeehaw, Mike does it again! Cool blue fruits and a lot of smoke. Loved it!
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6/20/2014 - Screameagle Likes this wine: 90 Points
Didn't wow me as much as previous bottles. Still a nice wine however
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5/31/2014 - Finewinehunt Likes this wine: 92 Points
Beautiful syrah hue - very dark purple. Smells chocolate with dark fruits and then some peppers. Gorgeous, silky texture with nice long finish.
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5/24/2014 - Mattshank wrote: 92 Points
Very much in line with last notes on 10/28/13. Really nice Papa's but not the best vintage as the lacking tannins (just as in the last bottle) keep this from being a total knock out wine. With that said 92 points is no poor showing.
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3/9/2014 - lvjohn Likes this wine: 91 Points
Consumed without decanting. Very nice dark, somewhat spicy red fruit without much of a nose. There is nice balance, but it seems just a bit thin in the mid-palate. There are no off flavors, but something that let's one know this wine is different.
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2/12/2014 - pakabear Likes this wine: 93 Points
Dark fruit, some meat, very good extraction and velvety mouthfeel. Really nice.
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12/26/2013 - daniel.jay wrote: 92 Points
This is young and needs air to come together, that said, it's still drinking very well right now. Combination of dark fruit, earth, spice and oak. Thick and dark. Decant at least 90 min.
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12/21/2013 - Matt Scott Likes this wine: 94 Points
See previous notes. The palate has undoubtedly improved. The tarragon, boysenberry, then soy sauce and melted licorice really reverberate. So much finesse and evident layers. Please decant for two hours, at least. Creamy.... Drink 2015 - 2022.
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11/9/2013 - haldolugr wrote: 90 Points
Okay so I need to do a better job checking on my notes before I pull bottles from the cellar....the flavor profile is consistent with my previous note, and I agree this will be better with age, although this bottle opened up a little more than my previous bottle hence the slight improvement in score. Great Syrah but I do recommend more time!!
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10/28/2013 - Mattshank wrote: 92 Points
Nose: Fabulous aromas of blackberry jam, blueberries with all kinds of assorted herbs and creosote. Another reviewer mentioned sawdust (Rmonty below) which is a great descriptor and I agree. Palate: Very lush and soft with plush black and blue fruits although there is very little tannin which makes me wonder about longevity. There is still good acidity and some tannin but I think it best to consume this over the next 1-2 years. Drinking great right now with a medium to long finish and good lift thanks to the acidity. Solid! 92+ points.
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10/28/2013 - raydawgone Likes this wine: 92 Points
Deep, dark color. Eucalyptus, toasted oak and sawdust on nose. Lively acidity with high, dry tannins. Flavors of blueberry crumb cake, black currant, Asian spice & cedar box. Recommend laying down for 2-4 more years (has potential to reach 95+ points).
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9/22/2013 - haldolugr wrote: 89 Points
A Stain the glass sort of wine when poured. Dark berry fruit with a touch of espresso. Tightly wound and not ready even with a decant to open up yet. Sit on this baby for its true potential.
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9/13/2013 - rdf58 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Wow! Coming along nicely. Deep red-purple, almost opaque. All smoke and blueberry flavors. Terrific warm vintage fruit that is almost sweet with underlying cool climate herbal notes and textures. Rich mouth feel but completely balanced with integrated tannins. Papa's Block is always my top Carlisle syrah and this may be the best one yet.
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9/4/2013 - Matt T wrote: 90 Points
Huge and over-the-top, but still a bit primary. Hold
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8/21/2013 - PSUSteve Likes this wine: 93 Points
Aerated into decanter and drank over 90 minutes. This is full of dark fruit and deep and dense. Finish showed some spice. Can't wait to drink over a longer period of time with better stems.
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8/21/2013 - Gestalted Likes this wine: 94 Points
The stole the night. Rich and concentrated blueberries and cream with massive campfire smoke. Cannot wait to drink again!
--
Consumed at at cellar temp: 60°-65° F. Friends don't let friends drink red wine at room temp!
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8/18/2013 - pakabear Likes this wine: 93 Points
Great nose, actually has a sqn component to it, palate has great extraction and balance and is not overdone with the toasted oak as can sometimes be the case. Really nice!
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8/14/2013 - bubbachumps wrote: 92 Points
Delicious wine! It had the potential for a bigger score if I had decanted it longer, which was about 1 hour.
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8/12/2013 - Amerique wrote: 93 Points
Fantastic!
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6/23/2013 - S R U D I N Likes this wine:
Love this wine, incredible value for the structure and flavor.
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6/21/2013 - TSBWine Likes this wine: 92 Points
92+ Points. Decanted for about 30 minutes then serially tasted over 2 hours. Served around 60-65 degrees.
Immediately off the nose, bright blackberries and boysenberry fruit. There's some oak influence here as well with a bacon fat element too. On the palate there's huge, extracted ripe black fruits that are almost unwieldy in nature followed by gravel/asphalt, notes of black olive and dark chocolate covered espresso beans. The coffee/chocolate characteristics are awfully prominent in the back end and the mid-palate is wound up with nearly overwhelming fruit and tarry/smoke characteristics.
The wine proves to be almost too much early on but with greater aeration the almost glycerin, grapey fruit develops some clarity and greater depth as ripe blackcurrants begin to emerge along with nuances of cedar and charcoal. (with the chocolate, espresso bean character remaining). Wildberry fruit came and went as well, contrasting against the menacing currant, olive and gravelly asphalt notes. There's enough acid here to brings some delineation to the wine's character but texturally it's a real mouthful and the wine virtually dominates the palate at times.
Overall, the wine reminded me of some Languedoc wines but with a far more sinister edge. It certainly has a visceral appeal as it's quite hedonistic but I found it almost fatiguing at times. My estimation is that it's a pretty dramatic wine that needs additional time for the fruit to come into balance and the mid-palate to resolve (it's pretty wound up). It's a quality wine for sure with plenty of stuffing and density on the mid-palate, but isn't quite harmonious yet. Give it another 3-5 years and it may be a seriously pretty wine with far more focus and nuance.
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4/27/2013 - cubswinws Likes this wine: 92 Points
Great wine with loads of upside. Still young but beautifully balanced even now.
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4/26/2013 - copdyke wrote: 91 Points
Nice and funky. Worth the price.
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3/8/2013 - fdub wrote: 92 Points
Rich nose showing game, bramble, and dark lush fruit. The palate doesn't totally follow suit as it displays more a bite with the acidity. Nice balance however the finish is a bit disjointed.
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2/14/2013 - Frank Murray III Likes this wine:
I brought this to dinner with my valentine this evening. I didn't air it out before dinner so I just had it opened and enjoyed about a 1/3rd of the bottle over dinner. Getting home, figured I'd sample a quick bit more while I have the chance to really taste it. Mixed aromatic of smoke, garrigue and flowers (which was more prominent when the bottle was first opened). Palate exhibits lots of dark, smooth fruit, cooked meat/jerkey ala say a Rosella's/Garys' note, finishing with tar, bitter chocolate (light note of it) and licorice. There is a fair amount of acid in the finish but I see this as more of an early drinker, say now through 2015. As a final note, there seems to be a reflection of whole cluster in here, through the garrigue and an olive note, which I enjoy.
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2/4/2013 - Outplaying wrote:
I agree with the others in that this is drinking really well for a young syrah. Lots of blueberry, some charcoal. Not particular complex, but enjoyable for its pure fruit and balanced structure. This has good acidity for a big wine and it has a long finish. The words hedonistic and oppulent come to mine, but this is done well for that style.
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1/14/2013 - dougie Likes this wine: 93 Points
Just love this vineyard. Decanted for two hours and drank over 3. It was singing with blackberry and a lot of rich texure.
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11/11/2012 - DavidDay wrote: 92 Points
Very nice syrah, in a ripe style.
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10/23/2012 - Screameagle wrote: 94 Points
What an incredible syrah that is drinking great now and has lots of upside. I usually give my Carlisle syrahs at least 3 years to age but this one is really drinking so well now there is no reason to wait.
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10/12/2012 - BklynNeophyte wrote: 89 Points
Very enjoyable, and surprising given its youth. Not a whole lot of tannins, and not a whole lot of syrah characteristics. A very drinkable wine but I wonder if this will develop over the years. We'll see. Comparable: Brad Peacock.
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10/7/2012 - williamswhine wrote: 93 Points
Nice dark inky hue, full bodied dark berry nose, silky smooth, pepper, long finish. Terrific tasting wine this early.
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9/19/2012 - Amerique wrote: 93 Points
Delicious, full-bodied blackberry fruit with ample tannins and white pepper, black olive, and earthy flavors, very good structure, medium finish, tart, very good QPR
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9/18/2012 - kidsmurf2000 wrote: 94 Points
Really good stuff, a bit more complex than before
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9/17/2012 - jaylew1 wrote: 93 Points
I know the joke about syrah and the clap, but nobody would tell that joke if everybody made syrah this way. Very clean, precise wine. Not the saxum, sqn, lillian type style (which I adore) with viscosity, but just a hint of a more French style, a little meaty, a little spicy, not much pepper. Some blueberries. A great effort. A tremendous value at the price point.
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9/5/2012 - pakabear wrote: 92 Points
No formal note.
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8/18/2012 - Mootsie wrote: 92 Points
Smoke, bacon, deep savory blues and blacks. Nice pepper bite and just slightly tart. Enjoyable and well made. 30 - 40 minutes and it is open for business.
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7/29/2012 - cmr Likes this wine: 93 Points
Exceptionally delicious wine with beautiful balance and structure. Dark fruit with a touch of spice and perfectly integrated oak. I would rate higher but it didn't have enough complexity in my book.
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7/28/2012 - deltacop wrote: 92 Points
Nose is awesome, with a smooth Syrah taste. These are so enjoyable right now.
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7/11/2012 - The Vinsider wrote: 91 Points
Big, voluptuous, ripe and meaty, but veering a touch towards cough syrup at times.
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7/7/2012 - rdf58 wrote: 92 Points
One hour decant, consumed over several hours. Initially, very primary and grapey but opened up nicely into dark fruits with a pleasant smokey element. Medium bodied with very well balanced and integrated tannins, acid and fruit. Very drinkable now, should evolve nicely for 5-7 years.
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7/6/2012 - Matt Scott wrote: 93 Points
Very serious and made for a nice slumber. Drink 2014 - 2027. Tarragon, boysenberry, plum-sauce, salty mineral, black cherry and pumpkin spice. Structured and polished tannins - the latent acidity is still there - and not the most concentrated; yet don't doubt the depth in colour, per usual. Exemplifies terroir and backwards in a Cote Rotie sort of way. Long on the fatty finish.
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6/26/2012 - Martin Redmond Likes this wine: 92 Points
Inky violet color with aromatic aromas of tobacco, spice, and dark fruits. On the palate it's focused, balanced, and smooth with cassis, plum, blackberry, spice and a hint of bittersweet chocolate flavors. Long finish...an excellent wine! 15.5 alcohol 95%Syrah, 4%Mourvèdre, 1%Viognier
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6/16/2012 - DavidDay wrote: 92 Points
Plums, black cherries, spices, tobacco and sweet wild herbs, very well balanced, drinking pretty well right now. Decanted two hours ahead of time.
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6/15/2012 - RSTAR4 wrote: 93 Points
Fruity nose with a full body. Lots of blackberry, with dark cherry and hints of toast and cocoa. Almost jammy at first, more like a zinfandel or fruit forward cab. But, smoothed out after 10 minutes with good balance. A tad light on acidity and tannins, but still has sufficient structure. Finishes well. Very approachable and enjoyed by all at the table. Served with pork chops and a hearty salmon with cream sauce. Think I'll hold off opening another bottle for at least a year.
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5/6/2012 - Freundez wrote: 95 Points
Incredibly well balanced for a young wine. Not overly fruit forward, with nice finish. One of Carlisle's best efforts that I've had.
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5/2/2012 - vanpe003 wrote: 91 Points
Pop/pour, no decant. Initially, I was thinking "wow, this is really open for a young Carlisle Syrah". Super lush initially. After 15 minutes it closes up quite a bit, becoming considerably more tight. On the nose, deep rich red fruit and a healthy dollop of oak. I don't get the meat / game notes that I've noticed in other Carlisle syrahs from earlier vintages. On the palate, well made but tight. A good decant or a 2-4 years would be helpful. If this tracks as other Carlisles, the leftovers will be better on Day 2. Update - Day 2 - indeed better, but still a touch tight, particularly on the finish, which has a bit of an inky iodine clipping to it. I'd probably hide this away for a couple of years. 91 points both days.
One of these days I'm going to pull a bunch of Carlisle and a bunch of Bedrock - pull a whole lot of corks, invite a bunch of friends and have a Syrah / Zin throwdown. I'm a big fan of both, but haven't really lined them up side-by-side. I think it might be educational.
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4/17/2012 - Wine Sparty wrote: 90 Points
Decanted for about an hour before having with bison burgers. Aroma is dark fruit and tobacco. Taste has coffee and dark fruit. Good wine, but not sure about the price point.
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4/17/2012 - awise45 wrote: 92 Points
Very nice, and lots of promise. Fresh and bursting with berries and light fruit.
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4/14/2012 - Nutty08 wrote: 91 Points
No detailed notes. Struck me as being rounder and less structured than I expected. Great syrah nose of pepper and meat. Palate rather soft and round, almost flabby but has enough acidity to keep it together. Moderate mocha finish. Not as strong as prior years but still a nice expression of the vintage and varietal.
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4/12/2012 - pakabear wrote: 92 Points
Very good extraction, blackberry and black cassis, with some interesting tropical fruit intermixed. Finish is not completely balanced with a ton of oak... My rating is based on potential.
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4/3/2012 - kidsmurf2000 wrote: 93 Points
Fruity little love child of syrah, you have a deep silky creaminess that makes me want to drink you all up!
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4/2/2012 - MotoMannequin wrote:
This was decanted an hour before drinking. Nice nose of blackberries and French oak. Agreed with other notes, there is a serious yum factor here with lush blackberries, plums, mid-palate transitioning to dark chocolate, and finishing with a smokiness and exotic spice. This could use some time for the oak to integrate and become less obtrusive, but I don't know how to comment on the age-worthiness of a wine like this, as this begs to be drunk and my remaining bottles will be gone within the next couple years..
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3/24/2012 - swillpower wrote:
Felt justified in cracking this one, as Mike recommended trying it sooner than later. This one cranks the yum factor to 11, no doubt. While not especially complex, it dishes up nice blackberry, salumi, and espresso aromas, and pours on the rich berry, spice, and faint earthy flavors in a balanced but lush style. A touch of grip and stemmy quality on the back end, but nothing that would keep me from opening it again soon. Doubt these will last long at all. Not a cerebral wine per se, but hugely enjoyable, balanced, and well-made.
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3/12/2012 - jpmo wrote: 93 Points
Delicious - opened with some trepidation since it had not been in the cellar long since it arrived from the winery after its cross country trip and I had broken my rule about waiting 6 to 8 weeks after arrival before opening the first bottle. A bit tight when I first pulled the cork causing me to wish at that point that I hadn't been so impatient., but within a half hour the full flavor was emerging and it was drinking very nicely. It is not as bold as other Papa's Blocks we've enjoyed. It is still a big wine but compared with prior vintages, we found this to be a more subtle, refined wine at this stage with a lingering finish - I can still taste it as I write this note and it has been about an hour since my last sip. Not sure at this point if this will be typical of the 2010 Carlisle Syrahs, but I hope so since this is a delicious wine that will be tough to leave in the cellar to give it a chance to age. If only I had more bottles.
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