Big, strong, muscular wine with a touch of feminine side. Not sweet, but has some baking spices, plum, dark fruit and a bit lush. Drinking right in the pocket, but wouldn't wait too long. Not a lot of structure to hold it together long term. Very good. Full wine.
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Hard to see and taste this is eight years old. Still transparent darkish red and lots of fresh red berries. Light on its feet, but with plenty of backbone.
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Bright crimson in color. 15% ABV. Sensational nose of red and black fruits, peach and licorice. Medium body with perfect acidity. Black cherry, raspberry, blood orange and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. The finest vintage of this wine in recent memory. Best over the next 1-2 years.
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Compared to a bottle just four months ago, this seemed a tad over-extracted and overripe. The label says 15% ABV, but I would have guessed 16.5% or more. Otherwise, it was consistent with everybody's tasting notes, including mine from September - black fruits on the nose, mostly red fruits on the palate, along with a savory streak. Rich, good finish, elegant, and holding up just fine. May even improve over the next 12 to 18 months.
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Tasted as a vertical with the 2015 and 2017 Carlisle Vineyard Zinfandels. All three were excellent and had similar aromatics and tasting profiles. The 2015 and 2016 were blood red in color, the 2017 more of a ruby red, with more translucence. All three were healthy, youthfully mature, loaded with fruit.
The 2016 is probably the most poised and harmonious of the three. The 2015 seems more powerful, dramatic, and savory; the 2017 more lithe, feminine, and supple.
For all three, liqueur-like (Chambord, Grand Marnier) aromatics mingle with aromas of blood orange and minty mulberry; palates are richly inviting, plush and juicy, structured, and with a modicum of grip. If in a Brunello mood, I would head to the 2015; if the cuisine were classic Provençal, the 2016; the 2017 would be great with Indian or California contemporary, either veg or nonveg.
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Opened, poured and let sit aobut 45 min. At first sip there might have been a hint of over-extraction or over-ripeness, but that disappeared quickly. From there, pretty consistent with my 7/2/2023 note. This is my last bottle and I haven't been a fan of or had good experiences aging Carlisle (or other producers') zins. Happy to catch this last one before it started in the wrong direction - at least to my taste.
Took to a party, so no detailed notes. However, I can attest to this being an excellent zin. Well balanced, with no port-like or raisiny characteristics. Even though it's a zin, it struck me as almost elegant. Good for another couple years.
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There are very good detailed CT ratings already posted on this wine. So I will get to the bottom line—this is an outstanding red wine. Now fully matured. Ready to drink. It has all of the best Zinfandel qualities.
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I love Carlisle/Carlisle and the 16 is drinking really well right now. Darker fruit on the nose but more red fruited on the palate with a slight savory note on the finish (one of my favorite aspects of this Vineyard). Medium + bodied thanks to the acidity and delicious at pnp but even better after some air (last couple glasses were best). Drink now and over the next 5 years, with some possible improvement in the short/mid-term.
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Spiced fragrances of wet earth and black fruit. Rich mid-palate with black cherry, blueberry, mint and smokey oak. Nice length showing modest complexity through a pleasant finish. Tannins seem fully integrated. Drink or hold
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Opened, poured and let sit about 1/2 hr. Then: Maybe some darkish fruit on the nose. Taste is more reddish fruit, maybe some cherry. Despite 15% alcohol, it isn't evident; not sweetish; not over-ripe or extracted, as these can be at that alcohol level. Fruit is fairly monotone in taste, but lengthy finish. Tannins not noticeable. This starts out with some noticeable acidity, but mellows out fairly quickly to almost softish mouthfeel; a touch more acidity would perk it up and bring the fruit out more. All things considered, a nice bottle and welcome change from the sometimes too ripe, extracted, lush, spicy examples that are more common.
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Decanted for an hour before drinking. More on the food wine side. A thinking person's zin as WS said. Lesser on the fruit for a Carlisle zin Lovely aroma which draws you in. Bramble, spice, acidity, tart,
Me - 92, Wife - 90
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Consistent with the vineyard expression but this bottle was rather subdued. Thinking I may have held on to this bottle for too long in my passive cellar.
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Very consistent bottles. This continues to age a slow pace. Nice fresh, juicy acidity and tart raspberry/cherry fruit. Soft tannins, ABV is well concealed. Acidity keeps it food friendly. Drink or hold for several more years.
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Bright red fruits and a nice swath of acidity on the palate. This is excellent on its own, but also stood up to a red sauced Italian dish. Has plenty of prime drinking ahead of it.
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Bound up in fruit on the nose, some dusty rock character in there, seems youthful and quite fresh, some spicy elements (dried orange, clove). Doesn't smell jammy- just loads of black and red fruits- brambles and the like. In the mouth, the wine is full bodied, med-low tannins (comparatively), high acid, moderate alc mid-palate and on the finish which adds that spicy note. Black and red fruits are integrated into a nice acidic lift with a crunchy, dusty mineral finish. Good stuff, I think this can hold for 5-7+ years, though delicious now.
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One of the bolder, more savory Zins in the cool-climate RRV lineup of Carlisle (others are Papera, Mancini, Saitone, Montafi). As such it belongs in the company of cool climate California reds that need time to open up. Although its tannin profile is moderate compared to varietal Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, or even Pinot Noir, it is packed with healthy acidity and structure.
Definitely more interesting and flavorful on Day 2. Depth of spicy, savory notes like eucalyptus, mint, clove, and orange zest, which masked the fruit to some extent on Day 1. Day 2 brought out fruit: cranberry, blood orange, morello cherry, mulberry -- a flavor zone embracing red and darker fruits. The palate is intense and long. With more cellar time I expect to see an intensification of expression, more in the direction of a vintage port (towards an impression of sweetness but without the residual sugar) than a great Bordeaux.
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Just so delicious. Pure fruit, cherry and raspberry, with juicy acidity. Not simple really, but not super complicated, still youngish and primary, precise.
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Drank with Brisket at Passover dinner. Didn't go real well with that, but drank over next two nights and was its usual claret-like, easy drinking, balanced red. Slight sweetness or fruitiness, but nice drinking.
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Beautiful wine from nose to finish, seems to be in its prime right now. Texture is soft but acidic and tannic enough to be full and satisfying. Lots of flavors of pomegranate, bing cherry, chocolate and ripe raspberry.
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Deep dark purple color causes me to anticipate dark fruit fom this wine, but that is not the case. Red fruit on the tip of th tongue--raspberry, strawberry--and stone fruit--again, not dark plum, but more like apricot. As the wine passes back, I get table grapes. Not a big, mouthfilling Zin, It has more of a lean, almost delicate feel.
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Great vibrant, balanced zin. Glad I've got more. Will be interesting to follow for a few years, but I'm not sure I'll be able to resist opening them right away.
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Really hitting it's stride now. Ripe cherry and red fruit flavors, fresh acidity and a hint of oak. Very soft tannins and an overall supple texture. Going strong after 48 hours. Too good to resist opening another one.
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I pulled the cork two hours before the first glass and decanted the bottle about an hour before the first glass. I recommend at least a two hour decant. Very enjoyable but this wine feels like it’s just entering the beginning of its window. I will hold my remaining bottles at least 2-3 years.
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Decanted for 45 minutes. Seemed tight to me but went I went to check in on it, there wasn’t any left so obviously it was well liked. I would give a longer decant if drinking soon.
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The wine is medium ruby with pronounced aromas of cassis, blackberry, black cherry, and licorice. It is a high acid, high alcohol, medium tannin wine of medium body with a medium finish. On the palate, the cassis comes through intensely along with the blackberry, black cherry, and licorice. There's also a cedar note on the palate. This is a very good wine.
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This comes from Carlisle’s estate vineyard which was planted in 1927. Surrounded by and long cared for by Italian immigrants, it is one of the coolest vineyards a wine geek can find. This is because they have identified 40 different varieties in the vineyard including one that they have yet to figure out what it is. For all the wine geeks out there, I’m going to list all of them. Some are hybrids, white grapes and table grapes. This wine is 88% Zinfandel with the rest being Syrah, Petite Sirah, Peloursin (virtually extinct), Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Petit Bouschet, Carignan, Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mission (Pais), Abouriou, Portuguese Blue, Mourvedre, Mondeuse Noire, Aramon, Grec Rouge, Chaillaud, Trousseau Noir, Trousseau Gris, Grenache Blanc, Muscat of Hamburg (Black Muscat), Vitis Labrusca, Ribier, Flame Tokay, Clairette Blanche, Chenin Blanc, Albillo Mayor, Palomino, Malvasia Bianca, Chasselas Blanc, Criolla Mediana, Muscadelle, Colombard, Muscat of Alexandria, Calzin, Auburn, Thompson Seedless, and unknown.
Only 694 cases made. Unfined and Unfiltered. Darkest in color of the three (compared with 2018 Ridge Pagani and 2014 Bedrock Nervo Ranch) This one also had good acidity like the Ridge, but there was a touch of heat. All 3 were around 14.5-15% alcohol but are relatively elegant compared to an average California Zin. This one has an earthy, spicy and herbal side to it too. Some red licorice. On the second day, the nose had a beautiful floral note and grapefruit. It became much more red fruited and there was no more heat. It continues to gain complexity, which makes sense given all varietals in this wine. 93+
https://winediplomats.com/old-vine-zin/
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15% abv. Dark ruby, very aromatic. Raspberry, ripe plum, white pepper, menthol and mint. Excellent depth and length. Great poise and balance. A very fine vintage of Carlisle-Carlisle!
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Ohhh yes! Open for business and performing super well! Probably the best Carlisle Vineyard Zin for me so far. Really in a great spot and boxing on the highest level for Zin. Close to 94
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A nose of bold sweet black cherry and spice, dark garnet in color. A full bodied Zin, with black cherry and smoky peppery flavors, jammy with a long finish. www.winelx.com
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Oh yum. Deep violet fruit, with light acid, a bit of sweetness. Beautifully floral but also has a deep earthy tobacco side. The acid is quite present and keeps the whole thing lively and compact. Nice complexity, great depth. Just wonderful lovely Zin with both a masculine and feminine side and a bit of wildness. Early maturity, drink now and for 10 years. Excellent.
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Drank my three bottles over 5 months (not sure it could get much better) Consistent complex evolving flavors, more on the fruit/berry/?floral side of the spectrum than bramble and herb/spice. The whole integrated package rather than individual flavors steals the show. Did not improve appreciably with air. Long finish without noticable heat. Marvelous
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I understand the higher scores, but a bit too jammy if you are looking for something a bit more chewy and structured. Dark purple color. Extremely fruit forward, with dark berries, cherries, plum and a hint of oak. Medium tannin. Opens up after about an hour. After all, there's nothing really critical to say - It's a Carlisle!
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Popped and poured. Nose of blackberry, black cherry, blood orange and Zin spice. Black and red berries, blood orange, spice and fine tannins on the palate. Long finish. Full bodied. Served with ravioli and meatballs.
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15% abv. Reddish purple color, very aromatic. On the palate, ripe cherry, raspberry compote, spearmint and light Zin bramble. Plus depth and length. This wine is absolutely delicious, as good as any Zin I've tasted this year. Plush, vibrant, rich and decadent, but not heavy. Carlisle Vineyard is turning into one of California's very best. Outstanding.
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This is just so purely delicious and packed with pure red and blue fruit that I was tempted to just enjoy it. But with some attention there’s some excellent leather, tobacco, and licorice complexity there as well. The acidity is nice and lively, young and fresh. Seems at the beginning of its peak drinkability, but still needs a couple hours in air. 93+
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Dark and full of lush dark blackberry and blueberry aromas and flavors. Rich and complex with a long finish. Drinking well now but could get better with more time.
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Liked this a lot, but it took about 2-2.5 hours in the decanter to begin strutting its stuff. Will decant min 3 hours or hold for 3-4 more years on the next bottle.
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Decanted for 2 hours. Aromas of huckleberry, blueberry, raspberry, lavender and sour cherry. Flavors of blueberry, raspberry, cherry, and hint of boysenberry. Ends with a 25-30 second finish with boysenberry notes. Good bottle but prefer the Montafi and Papera.
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Really good!! Glad I held onto this one more a while. Had so much jammy fruit but finely tuned and clear. This is a killer vineyard showing its best in a great vinetage
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Deep purple color. Spice, cocoa, and dried dark fruit flavors make this wine rich and mouth coating. It has smooth tannins, and hints of black cherry, plum, currants, and anise. Long finish. Me - 92, Wife - 90/91
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What a beautiful vintage of this wine. No new notes to add, except to say that I spent 15 minutes on winebid and other sites looking for additional bottles while on my second glass. Outstanding.
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Agree w/Mark1NPT so, with apologies, will just quote his note: "Needs about 60 min to open up after the pnp tonight. Beautiful blackberry/spicebox/white pepper nose with the slightest whiff of alcohol. Great mouthfeel and palate presence, early, mid and late. Excellent acidity accompanies throughout with a very nice lingering, 20-30 second ending. This is a quality wine from a quality vintage, of vines planted in 1927 and made by a quality winemaker. Whenever I get a wine that I swirl and keep swirling in the mouth and don't want to swallow, I know I have a great wine. This one fits the bill.........drinking beautifully right now for those fruit hedonists out there and should be for at least 5 more years."
I have to agree with the others below. This 'young' Carlisle was singing. Really very smooth. Wonderful purple color. A little spice. BBQ lunch in the Catskills with my wife, Janet and Lew. Drink and enjoy or hold. I usually drink Carlisle with some age. I'm glad that I made an exception. I was pleasantly surprise how good this was. Oh, and no acid at all.
Trying to drink less....so half the bottle tonight with pizza, half tomorrow or the next, we'll see. I'll post an addendum then.
Needs about 60 min to open up after the pnp tonight. Beautiful blackberry/spicebox/white pepper nose with the slightest whiff of alcohol. Great mouthfeel and palate presence, early, mid and late. Excellent acidity accompanies throughout with a very nice lingering, 20-30 second ending. This is a quality wine from a quality vintage, of vines planted in 1927 and made by a quality winemaker. Whenever I get a wine that I swirl and keep swirling in the mouth and don't want to swallow, I know I have a great wine. This one fits the bill.........drinking beautifully right now for those fruit hedonists out there and should be for at least 5 more years.
9/23/20 addendum night #2: put the cork back in the half full bottle last night, no gas, no vacuum. Poured another glass for myself after dinner tonight. Nose once again restrained/muted just as on night #1. First sip, this is even a darker blackberry, if that's possible. Still just the slightest whiff of alcohol and the wine has reduced a bit from last night. A little softer/smoother/creamier fruit with maybe a slight pick up in viscocity in the mouth. Maybe a point less tonight as the wine seems a bit calmer, less 'fresh' if you will with a lesser ending. It is still quite good and I'm glad I did this 2 night experiment. I may leave the last glass for a 3rd night tomorrow. 93.5-94 pts the 2nd night.
9/24/20 addendum night #3: Again just the cork in the bottle, no gas, no vacuum. Poured the last glass after dinner so as not to be affected by any food. Nose remains quite muted, maybe a little earth and briar component, but it's very little. Taste is further reduced from nights 1 & 2. There is balance in fruit, acidity, spice/pepper, maybe a little more tannic structure on the end, tonight. No whiff of alcohol tonight. The extened endng has a little less power and the fruit might be taking on just a hint of a stewed quality to it. Many on here like stewed fruit but it's not usually what I go for in a zin. I can see why some people would let their wines (that can handle it) sit for 2-3 nights. Most can't and don't perform well, IMO. This one does, but having said that it was still best the first night, 95.....second night 93.5....third night 91.5 it seems to me.
168th bottle of Carlisle I have had the pleasure of drinking (according to CT). Still waiting to have one I didn't like. Still waiting...but not holding my breathe. Another wonderful bottle. One-hour decant. Drink or hold.
Popped and poured. Nose of blackberry, black cherry, tangerine, spice and bramble. Ripe black and red fruit, blood orange, cocoa powder and spice on the palate. Very long finish. Full bodied. Served with grilled sausages.
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Beginning to hit its stride. Supple texture with red berry-cherry fruit. Likely to continue to improve but I like the freshness and acidity at this stage.
Ditto @Andrewdodd86 on the value for the money!! We drank my one and only bottle of the 2016 last night and I was really struck be the elegance and the balance of it. I have come to expect Carlisle wines to be nuanced and lucious. I really enjoy this style of zin - it does not smack you in the face with jammy purpleness. It invites you take your time, to linger and enjoy as the wine evolves in the glass. I will echo what other Cters have said that this wine will likely only get better over the next 3 to 5 years. Really strong value for the money!
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Popped and poured. Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, blood orange and Zinfandel spice. Black fruit, orange peel, spice and ripe tannins on the palate. Long finish. Full bodied. Very pretty wine. Served with linguini and marinara sauce.
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Given the high scores and praise for this 16, I expected a full throttle, up front fruit experience but this was far from it to be honest. Sure, a nice wave of fresh Zinberry cascades across the palate, but its slow and methodical in its coverage. Fresh as all get out, this was very easy to drik and showing early signs of the complexities that are sure to follow. If sitting on 2 bottles or less, hold.
Less black pepper. Seems a bit closed and primary at this stage. Pepper on exit. Tight with some tannin for sure. Sweet deep blue fruit. Nose really opens up and comes alive with some oxygen
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Very complex evolving nose, intoxicating notes of raspberry-cherry, a blend of red-black licorice, earth, at one point green bell pepper, spice and on and on. Really seamless on the palate with lots of vivacity, balanced tension and wonderful fruit carrying through to a long finish. Really delicious wine!
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A bright nose is followed by red fruit that's darker than is typical for Zinfandel. Notes of blood orange and raspberry result in part from the nicely acidic drive across the palate. Its medium-full body and smooth texture turns darker with time in the glass, and delivers notes of pepper and oak on the satisfying finish.
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95 pt nose on the pnp......93 pt taste profile. My avg is a 94 pts overall. This is a bit thin in the mouth but it's redeemed by its full/beautiful nose and the great fruit/white pepper combination. This is a quality wine from a quality vintage by a quality winemaker. The black raspberry/cherry and white pepper are exquisite. Kudos to Mike Officer for this one. Another year in bottle has raised this score another 2 pts, IMO.
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Nose is amazing, red fruit, cherry and raspberry I could smell across the table. Taste is tart red cherry, light pepper notes, finish long and balanced.
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So juicy. Just packed with fruit. Enough acid to keep it in balance. Medium finish. Go ahead and enjoy this whenever you want, I can’t imagine how time could make this any better.
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Hoo boy. Decanted two hours but blackberry/cranberry/raspberry compote nose jumped from the bottle at the opening pour. On the palate, this is bright and energetic, with acidity keeping the fruit from feeling syrupy. Everyone at the table was fairly gobsmacked by how good this was. Yes, it is still primary but the balance is there for immense near term enjoyment. Maybe my WOTY. 95+
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Very very nice showing from the 16 Carlisle vineyard. The bouquet of rose hips, blackberry and black plum soars from the glass with this Coravin pour. Great fruit purity with a moderate amount of detectable oak, sort of raspberries and cream on the palate. It’s got great weight and while I think it will peak in about 5 years, the wine is balanced enough to enjoy today.
Even better on day two. Great flavor and texture. Bumping up a point. I can totally understand Jeb giving this a 97
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2hr+ decant in glass. Lovely. Citric edges rounding nicely with red and blue fruit and a gentle brambly spine. Juicy. So smooth already. Delicious layered finish that lingers. Can't stop sipping for this tasting note. Time can only improve. Another one in the plus column for Officer. What a record!
Reddish color. Cranberry and tart red fruits at the outset, with some depth and complexity. In the Carlisle house style with balanced acid and a minerality leaving a freshness midpalate. Subtle mint. Finishes with darker notes and pepper. I liked this wine, but it was lighter than I was anticipating for Carlisle vineyard.
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Really nice wine with Beautiful lilting nose of both red and dark fruit, faint smoke, oak, medium to full bodied, sweet balanced tannins, long finish. Very enjoyable.
Dark red and black fruits, loads of toasted meats and black pepper, currants, violets, clove, cedar, great balance and intensity. Big wine, one of the best Zins you can buy.
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Juicy and energetic Zinfandel fruit that drinks very well young; some notes of red currant berries on the palate. Likely to further improve with year or two.
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Killer zin nose right at the pnp but the initial entry on front palate is flat, almost devoid of flavor....unfortunately the nose fades with an hour of air in the glass but the wine itself picks up a bit of life, weird how it's one or the other but never both at the same time.....dark ruby color with a lighter ruby rim in the glass. Good weight, some chalky minerality on entry with nice dark red/black brambly fruit. Mid palate still a bit acidic, but not nearly like the '16 Papera Ranch. The finish has nice spice to it, white pepper and some length, maybe 20 seconds. This is a frustrating wine.....could be a 96 if everything came together just right, but with nose and palate not playing together well now, it's a 92.
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Nicely balanced immediately on opening, improved in first hour, but only a tad. Medium bodied, red fruit with an acidity that matched nicely with the mild tannins and good finish.
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Premium quality here, but seemingly closing down and not showing as much as last year. Deep and dark style of Carlisle Zin and as someone points out below, not the typical blackberry ans raspberry profile. Brooding and structured - for a Carlisle Zin - this begs to be cellared some years imho. 92+
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Dark garnet, opaque. Fairly full bodied, but a dark fruit style rather than the strawberry, raspberry, acetic style I prefer. Very nice zin, just not the style I prefer. Ric
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Lush with a bit of bite up front. Chills with an hour of decanting. Black fruit dominates with enough tannic reserve to add an exclamation to it without detracting. Went great with pizza.
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Continuing my tour of the 2016’s, I selected the Carlisle Vineyard tonight. I don’t think I’ve ever had a zin with blood orange as the most prominent flavor, but this one has it...Mr. Officer nailed the flavor profile again. Along with cherry, cranberry and medium body, this has bright acidity and tannins to balance it. A minty sensation with slight alcohol is on the backend of this. A nice and complex wine.
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2hr decant. What a classy, refined zin. In one word I'd describe it as 'precise'. Beautifully balanced, the fruit (and there is plenty of fruit) is expressed with absolute clarity. Will be fun to see how this evolves over time if I can keep my hands off remaining bottles.
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one of the better Zin's I have had. A little more delicate and nuanced than your typical Zin. Went great with Italian food. The 2nd half of the bottle on it's own was even better and where this really shined.
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88% Zinfandel 12% Mixed Black and White Varieties (Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Grand Noir, Peloursin, Trousseau noir, Tempranillo, Muscadelle, Malvasia, Muscat, and 30 other varieties)Medium dark to dark ruby-garnet. Intense aromas of red berry compote (raspberry, cherry) laced with notes of blood orange and earth. Medium-full to full bodied, the wine is deftly balanced between fruit, tannin, acidity, and alcohol. Spectacular! Shows incredible class, refinement, and nuance. Optimal enjoyment should be from release through 2026.
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winery: Medium dark to dark ruby-garnet. Intense aromas of red berry compote (raspberry, cherry) laced with notes of blood orange and earth. Medium-full to full bodied, the wine is deftly balanced between fruit, tannin, acidity, and alcohol. Spectacular! Shows incredible class, refinement, and nuance. Optimal enjoyment should be from release through 2026.
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Cocked and loaded with red berries, cola spice, tangelo and cherry wood. Such purity on the nose and every millimeter of your palate is covered with glorious fruit. Wonderful depth and satisfying acidity. Absolutely enjoyable today. Different, but on the same level as the classic ‘12. Goes on for awhile. Drink now - 2028.
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Last tasted at the winery when we visited in July. I dug it then, and its drinking stellar again today. These bottles arrived a few weeks ago, and given the charity challenge running for our man Jason Hagen, figured this was a good bottle to honor him and his health. Opened this about 30 mins ago, dumped it into a nice stem, serving it at 66 degrees. Vintage after vintage, this is consistently beautiful stuff, a wine I have been drinking for 16 vintages. Distinctly juicy, with a bright core of acidity that frames the dark raspberry, some light vanilla and a finishing purity of cobbler-like fruit. The finish has excellent structure, with a final note of licorice. Delicious again, Mr Officer.
One of the better years for sure, dark red fruits, cooking spices, sweet oak, vanilla, composite, salty minerals, very nice balance and length. Not quite JD’s score but it may get better. This was a PnP, and quite good immediately but better with a few hours of air.
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July 2018 Carlisle Visit To See Mr. O (Carlisle Winery): Drank at the winery. Spicy, some bay leaf/eucalyptus. The core of this is boysen with dark raspberry and a finish of the signature Carlisle acidity comes through and some tartness too to keep it all bright. Always love this plot, it forms for me the emotional connection I have to Mike and his wines. Always.
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4/24/2024 - MRichman wrote:
Big, strong, muscular wine with a touch of feminine side. Not sweet, but has some baking spices, plum, dark fruit and a bit lush. Drinking right in the pocket, but wouldn't wait too long. Not a lot of structure to hold it together long term. Very good. Full wine.
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4/18/2024 - BoulderWine Likes this wine: 94 Points
In a great spot right now - ready to go!
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3/31/2024 - Backdoctor wrote: 93 Points
great Zin, everyone loved it
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3/31/2024 - Neras Likes this wine: 94 Points
Hard to see and taste this is eight years old. Still transparent darkish red and lots of fresh red berries. Light on its feet, but with plenty of backbone.
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2/3/2024 - tomlee wrote: 95 Points
Bright crimson in color. 15% ABV. Sensational nose of red and black fruits, peach and licorice. Medium body with perfect acidity. Black cherry, raspberry, blood orange and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. The finest vintage of this wine in recent memory. Best over the next 1-2 years.
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1/7/2024 - Night Train Likes this wine: 90 Points
Compared to a bottle just four months ago, this seemed a tad over-extracted and overripe. The label says 15% ABV, but I would have guessed 16.5% or more. Otherwise, it was consistent with everybody's tasting notes, including mine from September - black fruits on the nose, mostly red fruits on the palate, along with a savory streak. Rich, good finish, elegant, and holding up just fine. May even improve over the next 12 to 18 months.
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11/16/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine: 92 Points
Tasted as a vertical with the 2015 and 2017 Carlisle Vineyard Zinfandels. All three were excellent and had similar aromatics and tasting profiles. The 2015 and 2016 were blood red in color, the 2017 more of a ruby red, with more translucence. All three were healthy, youthfully mature, loaded with fruit.
The 2016 is probably the most poised and harmonious of the three. The 2015 seems more powerful, dramatic, and savory; the 2017 more lithe, feminine, and supple.
For all three, liqueur-like (Chambord, Grand Marnier) aromatics mingle with aromas of blood orange and minty mulberry; palates are richly inviting, plush and juicy, structured, and with a modicum of grip. If in a Brunello mood, I would head to the 2015; if the cuisine were classic Provençal, the 2016; the 2017 would be great with Indian or California contemporary, either veg or nonveg.
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11/5/2023 - RichEB1 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Excellent yet again! Love the savory notes to go along with the red fruits. Delicious and complex - always in my top 3 of all Mike's offerings.
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10/20/2023 - Quiller wrote: 90 Points
Opened, poured and let sit aobut 45 min. At first sip there might have been a hint of over-extraction or over-ripeness, but that disappeared quickly. From there, pretty consistent with my 7/2/2023 note. This is my last bottle and I haven't been a fan of or had good experiences aging Carlisle (or other producers') zins. Happy to catch this last one before it started in the wrong direction - at least to my taste.
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9/16/2023 - Night Train Likes this wine: 92 Points
Took to a party, so no detailed notes. However, I can attest to this being an excellent zin. Well balanced, with no port-like or raisiny characteristics. Even though it's a zin, it struck me as almost elegant. Good for another couple years.
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8/16/2023 - jeginmt Likes this wine: 95 Points
There are very good detailed CT ratings already posted on this wine. So I will get to the bottom line—this is an outstanding red wine. Now fully matured. Ready to drink. It has all of the best Zinfandel qualities.
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8/5/2023 - rocknroller wrote:
Siggy's Annual BBQ (Chez Siggy & Jenny's Place, Mpls, MN): Tasted. Wasn't feeling this just yet. Some heat. No score.
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7/15/2023 - RichEB1 Likes this wine: 92 Points
I love Carlisle/Carlisle and the 16 is drinking really well right now. Darker fruit on the nose but more red fruited on the palate with a slight savory note on the finish (one of my favorite aspects of this Vineyard). Medium + bodied thanks to the acidity and delicious at pnp but even better after some air (last couple glasses were best). Drink now and over the next 5 years, with some possible improvement in the short/mid-term.
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7/5/2023 - 6831 wrote: 93 Points
Spiced fragrances of wet earth and black fruit. Rich mid-palate with black cherry, blueberry, mint and smokey oak.
Nice length showing modest complexity through a pleasant finish. Tannins seem fully integrated. Drink or hold
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7/2/2023 - Quiller wrote: 90 Points
Opened, poured and let sit about 1/2 hr. Then: Maybe some darkish fruit on the nose. Taste is more reddish fruit, maybe some cherry. Despite 15% alcohol, it isn't evident; not sweetish; not over-ripe or extracted, as these can be at that alcohol level. Fruit is fairly monotone in taste, but lengthy finish. Tannins not noticeable. This starts out with some noticeable acidity, but mellows out fairly quickly to almost softish mouthfeel; a touch more acidity would perk it up and bring the fruit out more. All things considered, a nice bottle and welcome change from the sometimes too ripe, extracted, lush, spicy examples that are more common.
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6/16/2023 - GoBlue2002 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decanted for an hour before drinking.
More on the food wine side. A thinking person's zin as WS said. Lesser on the fruit for a Carlisle zin
Lovely aroma which draws you in.
Bramble, spice, acidity, tart,
Me - 92, Wife - 90
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5/28/2023 - khmark7 wrote:
Consistent with the vineyard expression but this bottle was rather subdued. Thinking I may have held on to this bottle for too long in my passive cellar.
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4/6/2023 - joet626 Likes this wine: 92 Points
very good. Well-balanced. Nice dark fruits
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2/3/2023 - rdf58 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Very consistent bottles. This continues to age a slow pace. Nice fresh, juicy acidity and tart raspberry/cherry fruit. Soft tannins, ABV is well concealed. Acidity keeps it food friendly. Drink or hold for several more years.
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1/24/2023 - GJVines Likes this wine: 92 Points
Open in glass approximately 15 minutes before tasting. Good nose and nice fruit, pleasantly spicy finish.
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1/13/2023 - EMTAME wrote: 93 Points
Bright red fruits and a nice swath of acidity on the palate. This is excellent on its own, but also stood up to a red sauced Italian dish. Has plenty of prime drinking ahead of it.
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12/30/2022 - HandmadeHomemade wrote:
Bound up in fruit on the nose, some dusty rock character in there, seems youthful and quite fresh, some spicy elements (dried orange, clove). Doesn't smell jammy- just loads of black and red fruits- brambles and the like. In the mouth, the wine is full bodied, med-low tannins (comparatively), high acid, moderate alc mid-palate and on the finish which adds that spicy note. Black and red fruits are integrated into a nice acidic lift with a crunchy, dusty mineral finish. Good stuff, I think this can hold for 5-7+ years, though delicious now.
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8/29/2022 - Bakerbd Likes this wine: 90 Points
Black and purple fruit, nice acidity, low tannin, plush but balanced
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8/21/2022 - wilypod Likes this wine: 93 Points
One of the bolder, more savory Zins in the cool-climate RRV lineup of Carlisle (others are Papera, Mancini, Saitone, Montafi). As such it belongs in the company of cool climate California reds that need time to open up. Although its tannin profile is moderate compared to varietal Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, or even Pinot Noir, it is packed with healthy acidity and structure.
Definitely more interesting and flavorful on Day 2. Depth of spicy, savory notes like eucalyptus, mint, clove, and orange zest, which masked the fruit to some extent on Day 1. Day 2 brought out fruit: cranberry, blood orange, morello cherry, mulberry -- a flavor zone embracing red and darker fruits. The palate is intense and long. With more cellar time I expect to see an intensification of expression, more in the direction of a vintage port (towards an impression of sweetness but without the residual sugar) than a great Bordeaux.
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8/16/2022 - wabi47 Likes this wine: 91 Points
primary on day one; lovely smooth deep fruit with some gravitas on day two; a hint of citric acidity on the finish
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8/7/2022 - cubswinws Likes this wine: 92 Points
Lovely well balanced zin with cherry/ black cherry notes and a hint of spice.
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8/2/2022 - pgm wrote: 93 Points
Just so delicious. Pure fruit, cherry and raspberry, with juicy acidity. Not simple really, but not super complicated, still youngish and primary, precise.
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7/21/2022 - Ceo wrote: 93 Points
Beautiful wine glad I have more!
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6/23/2022 - cubswinws Likes this wine: 93 Points
This is in the zone!
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5/21/2022 - joet626 Likes this wine: 93 Points
very tasty Nice and fruity, smooth on the finish
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4/21/2022 - levinml wrote: 92 Points
Drank with Brisket at Passover dinner. Didn't go real well with that, but drank over next two nights and was its usual claret-like, easy drinking, balanced red. Slight sweetness or fruitiness, but nice drinking.
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4/17/2022 - andysiek wrote: 94 Points
Beautiful wine from nose to finish, seems to be in its prime right now. Texture is soft but acidic and tannic enough to be full and satisfying. Lots of flavors of pomegranate, bing cherry, chocolate and ripe raspberry.
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4/3/2022 - wabi47 Likes this wine: 92 Points
brighter than i recall; lovely and balanced.
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3/21/2022 - EMark Likes this wine:
Deep dark purple color causes me to anticipate dark fruit fom this wine, but that is not the case. Red fruit on the tip of th tongue--raspberry, strawberry--and stone fruit--again, not dark plum, but more like apricot. As the wine passes back, I get table grapes. Not a big, mouthfilling Zin, It has more of a lean, almost delicate feel.
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2/19/2022 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 93 Points
Tentative rating as this did not get a proper decant or set up - rich black fruit and chocolate with firm acidity
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2/5/2022 - Neras Likes this wine: 93 Points
Quite chaotic evening, so no notes really. But did enyou this!
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2/1/2022 - wabi47 Likes this wine: 93 Points
deep brooding dark cherry, anise, hints of cedar/oak in a good way; still opening up on day two; has upside
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1/17/2022 - MLwine Likes this wine: 93 Points
Great vibrant, balanced zin. Glad I've got more. Will be interesting to follow for a few years, but I'm not sure I'll be able to resist opening them right away.
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1/12/2022 - BoulderWine Likes this wine: 92 Points
I don’t drink as much Zinfandel now as in the past but the Carlisle wines always remind me how good it can be!
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1/3/2022 - akpace wrote: 92 Points
Bright fruity with spice.
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11/21/2021 - rdf58 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Really hitting it's stride now. Ripe cherry and red fruit flavors, fresh acidity and a hint of oak. Very soft tannins and an overall supple texture. Going strong after 48 hours. Too good to resist opening another one.
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11/15/2021 - Acohen Likes this wine: 93 Points
Rich berry and brambly fruit and long lush finish
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11/12/2021 - joet626 Likes this wine: 93 Points
outstanding. Nice dark berry fruit. Great mouthfeel. Rich!
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10/11/2021 - Mike Dildine Likes this wine: 95 Points
Delicious and hitting its stride.
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9/20/2021 - Eatmypixels Likes this wine: 92 Points
Smooth. Balanced. Long finish. Berry up front but not high alcohol. Works well with food.
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9/2/2021 - dgkula Likes this wine: 91 Points
Wow just punching solid zin flavors! First one, looking forward to the rest.
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8/11/2021 - Amerique wrote: 94 Points
Rich, delicious full-bodied mixed berry fruit with licorice flavors, excellent structure, long finish, great Zin bursting with flavors!
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7/29/2021 - Dnacabernet Likes this wine:
I pulled the cork two hours before the first glass and decanted the bottle about an hour before the first glass. I recommend at least a two hour decant. Very enjoyable but this wine feels like it’s just entering the beginning of its window. I will hold my remaining bottles at least 2-3 years.
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7/18/2021 - PSUSteve wrote:
Decanted for 45 minutes. Seemed tight to me but went I went to check in on it, there wasn’t any left so obviously it was well liked. I would give a longer decant if drinking soon.
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7/18/2021 - rougeamore wrote: 93 Points
The wine is medium ruby with pronounced aromas of cassis, blackberry, black cherry, and licorice. It is a high acid, high alcohol, medium tannin wine of medium body with a medium finish. On the palate, the cassis comes through intensely along with the blackberry, black cherry, and licorice. There's also a cedar note on the palate. This is a very good wine.
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7/9/2021 - Wine Diplomats Likes this wine: 93 Points
This comes from Carlisle’s estate vineyard which was planted in 1927. Surrounded by and long cared for by Italian immigrants, it is one of the coolest vineyards a wine geek can find. This is because they have identified 40 different varieties in the vineyard including one that they have yet to figure out what it is. For all the wine geeks out there, I’m going to list all of them. Some are hybrids, white grapes and table grapes. This wine is 88% Zinfandel with the rest being Syrah, Petite Sirah, Peloursin (virtually extinct), Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Petit Bouschet, Carignan, Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mission (Pais), Abouriou, Portuguese Blue, Mourvedre, Mondeuse Noire, Aramon, Grec Rouge, Chaillaud, Trousseau Noir, Trousseau Gris, Grenache Blanc, Muscat of Hamburg (Black Muscat), Vitis Labrusca, Ribier, Flame Tokay, Clairette Blanche, Chenin Blanc, Albillo Mayor, Palomino, Malvasia Bianca, Chasselas Blanc, Criolla Mediana, Muscadelle, Colombard, Muscat of Alexandria, Calzin, Auburn, Thompson Seedless, and unknown.
Only 694 cases made. Unfined and Unfiltered. Darkest in color of the three (compared with 2018 Ridge Pagani and 2014 Bedrock Nervo Ranch) This one also had good acidity like the Ridge, but there was a touch of heat. All 3 were around 14.5-15% alcohol but are relatively elegant compared to an average California Zin. This one has an earthy, spicy and herbal side to it too. Some red licorice. On the second day, the nose had a beautiful floral note and grapefruit. It became much more red fruited and there was no more heat. It continues to gain complexity, which makes sense given all varietals in this wine. 93+
https://winediplomats.com/old-vine-zin/
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7/5/2021 - Mike Dildine Likes this wine: 95 Points
15% abv. Dark ruby, very aromatic. Raspberry, ripe plum, white pepper, menthol and mint. Excellent depth and length. Great poise and balance. A very fine vintage of Carlisle-Carlisle!
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7/3/2021 - SineQuaNon Likes this wine: 93 Points
Ohhh yes! Open for business and performing super well! Probably the best Carlisle Vineyard Zin for me so far. Really in a great spot and boxing on the highest level for Zin. Close to 94
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5/14/2021 - rdf58 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Really superb. Several years from maturity but everything is well integrated. Glad I stocked up.
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5/9/2021 - corkscrews Likes this wine: 91 Points
A nose of bold sweet black cherry and spice, dark garnet in color. A full bodied Zin, with black cherry and smoky peppery flavors, jammy with a long finish. www.winelx.com
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5/1/2021 - RobbieC Likes this wine:
Wonderful. Drinking well now with a short decant.
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4/20/2021 - MRichman wrote:
Oh yum. Deep violet fruit, with light acid, a bit of sweetness. Beautifully floral but also has a deep earthy tobacco side. The acid is quite present and keeps the whole thing lively and compact. Nice complexity, great depth. Just wonderful lovely Zin with both a masculine and feminine side and a bit of wildness. Early maturity, drink now and for 10 years. Excellent.
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3/4/2021 - pakabear Likes this wine:
Last bottle was so good my wife wanted another one today.
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3/3/2021 - pakabear Likes this wine: 94 Points
Dark red cherry, strawberry, cream, anise, white pepper, licorice, cinnamon, vanilla, velvety texture that’s just so pure.
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3/1/2021 - Old Gray Hare Likes this wine: 94 Points
Drank my three bottles over 5 months (not sure it could get much better) Consistent complex evolving flavors, more on the fruit/berry/?floral side of the spectrum than bramble and herb/spice. The whole integrated package rather than individual flavors steals the show. Did not improve appreciably with air. Long finish without noticable heat. Marvelous
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2/24/2021 - jsmorris707 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Splash double decanted for 2 hrs; very good but did not impress me like the last bottle, drink or hold. I will see how it is on day 2 tonight.
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2/18/2021 - hoservin wrote: flawed
Corked.
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2/8/2021 - Robwild Likes this wine: 91 Points
I understand the higher scores, but a bit too jammy if you are looking for something a bit more chewy and structured. Dark purple color. Extremely fruit forward, with dark berries, cherries, plum and a hint of oak. Medium tannin. Opens up after about an hour. After all, there's nothing really critical to say - It's a Carlisle!
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2/3/2021 - hoservin Likes this wine: 93 Points
Popped and poured. Nose of blackberry, black cherry, blood orange and Zin spice. Black and red berries, blood orange, spice and fine tannins on the palate. Long finish. Full bodied. Served with ravioli and meatballs.
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1/22/2021 - Mike Dildine Likes this wine: 96 Points
15% abv. Reddish purple color, very aromatic. On the palate, ripe cherry, raspberry compote, spearmint and light Zin bramble. Plus depth and length. This wine is absolutely delicious, as good as any Zin I've tasted this year. Plush, vibrant, rich and decadent, but not heavy. Carlisle Vineyard is turning into one of California's very best. Outstanding.
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1/16/2021 - pgm wrote: 93 Points
This is just so purely delicious and packed with pure red and blue fruit that I was tempted to just enjoy it. But with some attention there’s some excellent leather, tobacco, and licorice complexity there as well. The acidity is nice and lively, young and fresh. Seems at the beginning of its peak drinkability, but still needs a couple hours in air. 93+
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1/15/2021 - rougeamore Likes this wine: 92 Points
Dark and full of lush dark blackberry and blueberry aromas and flavors. Rich and complex with a long finish. Drinking well now but could get better with more time.
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1/9/2021 - ChrisWagner Likes this wine: 91 Points
Liked this a lot, but it took about 2-2.5 hours in the decanter to begin strutting its stuff. Will decant min 3 hours or hold for 3-4 more years on the next bottle.
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12/18/2020 - slywka7 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted for 2 hours. Aromas of huckleberry, blueberry, raspberry, lavender and sour cherry. Flavors of blueberry, raspberry, cherry, and hint of boysenberry. Ends with a 25-30 second finish with boysenberry notes. Good bottle but prefer the Montafi and Papera.
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12/13/2020 - mpricher wrote: 92 Points
Really good!! Glad I held onto this one more a while. Had so much jammy fruit but finely tuned and clear. This is a killer vineyard showing its best in a great vinetage
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12/10/2020 - GoBlue2002 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Deep purple color. Spice, cocoa, and dried dark fruit flavors make this wine rich and mouth coating. It has smooth tannins, and hints of black cherry, plum, currants, and anise. Long finish.
Me - 92, Wife - 90/91
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12/6/2020 - cubswinws Likes this wine: 93 Points
Just delicious
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11/19/2020 - Mike Dildine Likes this wine: 95 Points
Impeccable and delicious!
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11/13/2020 - BoulderWine wrote:
Seemed a bit flat and one-dimensional tonight. Opened after enjoying the 2015 Montafi.
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11/8/2020 - nickgorski Likes this wine:
What a beautiful vintage of this wine. No new notes to add, except to say that I spent 15 minutes on winebid and other sites looking for additional bottles while on my second glass. Outstanding.
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11/8/2020 - cobalt2 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Never disappointed. Just good full flavored Zin
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11/7/2020 - GJVines Likes this wine: 93 Points
Agree w/Mark1NPT so, with apologies, will just quote his note: "Needs about 60 min to open up after the pnp tonight. Beautiful blackberry/spicebox/white pepper nose with the slightest whiff of alcohol. Great mouthfeel and palate presence, early, mid and late. Excellent acidity accompanies throughout with a very nice lingering, 20-30 second ending. This is a quality wine from a quality vintage, of vines planted in 1927 and made by a quality winemaker. Whenever I get a wine that I swirl and keep swirling in the mouth and don't want to swallow, I know I have a great wine. This one fits the bill.........drinking beautifully right now for those fruit hedonists out there and should be for at least 5 more years."
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10/30/2020 - dhammer53 wrote: 93 Points
I have to agree with the others below. This 'young' Carlisle was singing. Really very smooth. Wonderful purple color. A little spice. BBQ lunch in the Catskills with my wife, Janet and Lew. Drink and enjoy or hold. I usually drink Carlisle with some age. I'm glad that I made an exception. I was pleasantly surprise how good this was. Oh, and no acid at all.
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10/14/2020 - Crestmoor Likes this wine: 94 Points
Another amazing Carlisle offering. Drinking well now and will for 4-5 years to come.
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9/23/2020 - jsmorris707 Likes this wine: 95 Points
From memory: double decanted for an hour; outstanding & one of the best zins I have had, drink or hold
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9/23/2020 - Tsliwinski Likes this wine: 94 Points
Beautiful field blend. Complex white pepper, floral notes and nice bing cherry with tamed tannins and smooth finish. Enjoy!
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9/22/2020 - Mark1npt Likes this wine: 95 Points
Trying to drink less....so half the bottle tonight with pizza, half tomorrow or the next, we'll see. I'll post an addendum then.
Needs about 60 min to open up after the pnp tonight. Beautiful blackberry/spicebox/white pepper nose with the slightest whiff of alcohol. Great mouthfeel and palate presence, early, mid and late. Excellent acidity accompanies throughout with a very nice lingering, 20-30 second ending. This is a quality wine from a quality vintage, of vines planted in 1927 and made by a quality winemaker. Whenever I get a wine that I swirl and keep swirling in the mouth and don't want to swallow, I know I have a great wine. This one fits the bill.........drinking beautifully right now for those fruit hedonists out there and should be for at least 5 more years.
9/23/20 addendum night #2: put the cork back in the half full bottle last night, no gas, no vacuum. Poured another glass for myself after dinner tonight. Nose once again restrained/muted just as on night #1. First sip, this is even a darker blackberry, if that's possible. Still just the slightest whiff of alcohol and the wine has reduced a bit from last night. A little softer/smoother/creamier fruit with maybe a slight pick up in viscocity in the mouth. Maybe a point less tonight as the wine seems a bit calmer, less 'fresh' if you will with a lesser ending. It is still quite good and I'm glad I did this 2 night experiment. I may leave the last glass for a 3rd night tomorrow. 93.5-94 pts the 2nd night.
9/24/20 addendum night #3: Again just the cork in the bottle, no gas, no vacuum. Poured the last glass after dinner so as not to be affected by any food. Nose remains quite muted, maybe a little earth and briar component, but it's very little. Taste is further reduced from nights 1 & 2. There is balance in fruit, acidity, spice/pepper, maybe a little more tannic structure on the end, tonight. No whiff of alcohol tonight. The extened endng has a little less power and the fruit might be taking on just a hint of a stewed quality to it. Many on here like stewed fruit but it's not usually what I go for in a zin. I can see why some people would let their wines (that can handle it) sit for 2-3 nights. Most can't and don't perform well, IMO. This one does, but having said that it was still best the first night, 95.....second night 93.5....third night 91.5 it seems to me.
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9/16/2020 - fredman wrote: 93 Points
168th bottle of Carlisle I have had the pleasure of drinking (according to CT). Still waiting to have one I didn't like. Still waiting...but not holding my breathe. Another wonderful bottle. One-hour decant. Drink or hold.
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8/31/2020 - Slaz Likes this wine: 94 Points
Keeps getting better. What I like the most is the sheer power, vibrancy, and energy of this beautiful Zin fruit.
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8/19/2020 - hoservin Likes this wine: 93 Points
Popped and poured. Nose of blackberry, black cherry, tangerine, spice and bramble. Ripe black and red fruit, blood orange, cocoa powder and spice on the palate. Very long finish. Full bodied. Served with grilled sausages.
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8/13/2020 - Screameagle Likes this wine: 94 Points
Mike Officer makes many great different wines each year and this is one of my favorites year after year. Really drinking well now. Why wait
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8/11/2020 - rdf58 wrote: 94 Points
Beginning to hit its stride. Supple texture with red berry-cherry fruit. Likely to continue to improve but I like the freshness and acidity at this stage.
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8/1/2020 - JERB wrote: 92 Points
Ditto @Andrewdodd86 on the value for the money!! We drank my one and only bottle of the 2016 last night and I was really struck be the elegance and the balance of it. I have come to expect Carlisle wines to be nuanced and lucious. I really enjoy this style of zin - it does not smack you in the face with jammy purpleness. It invites you take your time, to linger and enjoy as the wine evolves in the glass. I will echo what other Cters have said that this wine will likely only get better over the next 3 to 5 years. Really strong value for the money!
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7/24/2020 - hoservin wrote: 93 Points
Popped and poured. Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, blood orange and Zinfandel spice. Black fruit, orange peel, spice and ripe tannins on the palate. Long finish. Full bodied. Very pretty wine. Served with linguini and marinara sauce.
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7/16/2020 - andrewdodd86 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Coravin sample/bottle kill. More tannin tonight, same greats dark blue fruit. Really impressed for the money and need more
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7/16/2020 - Dale M wrote: 93 Points
Given the high scores and praise for this 16, I expected a full throttle, up front fruit experience but this was far from it to be honest. Sure, a nice wave of fresh Zinberry cascades across the palate, but its slow and methodical in its coverage. Fresh as all get out, this was very easy to drik and showing early signs of the complexities that are sure to follow. If sitting on 2 bottles or less, hold.
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7/4/2020 - andrewdodd86 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Less black pepper. Seems a bit closed and primary at this stage. Pepper on exit. Tight with some tannin for sure. Sweet deep blue fruit. Nose really opens up and comes alive with some oxygen
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7/2/2020 - rustyRudy Likes this wine: 95 Points
Elegantly styled but complex Zin flavors. Complemented the barbecue well. Blackberries and cherries with nicely balanced acidity.
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6/17/2020 - Mootsie Likes this wine: 92 Points
Dark and spicy. Needs air. Time will probably improve these.
Day 2 update. Much better on day 2.
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6/10/2020 - bubbachumps wrote: 94 Points
Very complex evolving nose, intoxicating notes of raspberry-cherry, a blend of red-black licorice, earth, at one point green bell pepper, spice and on and on. Really seamless on the palate with lots of vivacity, balanced tension and wonderful fruit carrying through to a long finish. Really delicious wine!
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5/26/2020 - GQG Likes this wine: 94 Points
A bright nose is followed by red fruit that's darker than is typical for Zinfandel. Notes of blood orange and raspberry result in part from the nicely acidic drive across the palate. Its medium-full body and smooth texture turns darker with time in the glass, and delivers notes of pepper and oak on the satisfying finish.
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5/7/2020 - Mark1npt Likes this wine: 94 Points
95 pt nose on the pnp......93 pt taste profile. My avg is a 94 pts overall. This is a bit thin in the mouth but it's redeemed by its full/beautiful nose and the great fruit/white pepper combination. This is a quality wine from a quality vintage by a quality winemaker. The black raspberry/cherry and white pepper are exquisite. Kudos to Mike Officer for this one. Another year in bottle has raised this score another 2 pts, IMO.
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5/6/2020 - Randito Likes this wine: 92 Points
Red cherry and raspberry with rose hips and oak finish.
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4/28/2020 - Tsliwinski Likes this wine: 93 Points
Peppery, fruity zin with nice refreshing finish
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4/12/2020 - mwrock Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nose is amazing, red fruit, cherry and raspberry I could smell across the table. Taste is tart red cherry, light pepper notes, finish long and balanced.
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4/6/2020 - BoulderWine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Bright color with bright, almost floral aromas. Super-concentrated red fruit, which showed better on the second night. Give this some time.
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3/24/2020 - Adam T 12 Likes this wine: 94 Points
So juicy. Just packed with fruit. Enough acid to keep it in balance. Medium finish. Go ahead and enjoy this whenever you want, I can’t imagine how time could make this any better.
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2/21/2020 - ravbik wrote: 93 Points
Very well balanced. Not overly sweet. Has some nice crisp acid and zing and bramble. Suits well to my palate
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12/28/2019 - themuzzle Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nicely well balanced with mellow tannins and crushed red fruit on the palate. Enjoy now or in five years.
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12/13/2019 - Slaz Likes this wine: 92 Points
Needed at least 30 minutes of decanting. Good energy and vibrancy of Zin fruit.
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11/28/2019 - jmull Likes this wine: 95 Points
Hoo boy. Decanted two hours but blackberry/cranberry/raspberry compote nose jumped from the bottle at the opening pour. On the palate, this is bright and energetic, with acidity keeping the fruit from feeling syrupy. Everyone at the table was fairly gobsmacked by how good this was. Yes, it is still primary but the balance is there for immense near term enjoyment. Maybe my WOTY. 95+
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11/24/2019 - Tsliwinski Likes this wine: 94 Points
lush and smooth, a good lingering complex zin
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11/8/2019 - jviz wrote: 95 Points
Very very nice showing from the 16 Carlisle vineyard. The bouquet of rose hips, blackberry and black plum soars from the glass with this Coravin pour. Great fruit purity with a moderate amount of detectable oak, sort of raspberries and cream on the palate. It’s got great weight and while I think it will peak in about 5 years, the wine is balanced enough to enjoy today.
Even better on day two. Great flavor and texture. Bumping up a point. I can totally understand Jeb giving this a 97
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10/13/2019 - ravbik wrote: 90 Points
Well balanced zin
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9/29/2019 - Mapleglo330 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Did not take good notes on this but was surely Russian river zin. Big and fruity, creamy. Let this one rest a bit.
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9/20/2019 - Primordialsoup Likes this wine: 92 Points
2hr+ decant in glass. Lovely. Citric edges rounding nicely with red and blue fruit and a gentle brambly spine. Juicy. So smooth already. Delicious layered finish that lingers. Can't stop sipping for this tasting note. Time can only improve. Another one in the plus column for Officer. What a record!
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9/19/2019 - pakabear Likes this wine: 94 Points
Consistent to my previous note, very good and one of the best yet from Mike.
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9/6/2019 - DougSamuel Likes this wine: 91 Points
Reddish color. Cranberry and tart red fruits at the outset, with some depth and complexity. In the Carlisle house style with balanced acid and a minerality leaving a freshness midpalate. Subtle mint. Finishes with darker notes and pepper. I liked this wine, but it was lighter than I was anticipating for Carlisle vineyard.
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8/18/2019 - Geoff Likes this wine: 93 Points
Really nice wine with Beautiful lilting nose of both red and dark fruit, faint smoke, oak, medium to full bodied, sweet balanced tannins, long finish. Very enjoyable.
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8/14/2019 - pakabear wrote: 94 Points
Dark red and black fruits, loads of toasted meats and black pepper, currants, violets, clove, cedar, great balance and intensity. Big wine, one of the best Zins you can buy.
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8/8/2019 - Slaz Likes this wine: 92 Points
Juicy and energetic Zinfandel fruit that drinks very well young; some notes of red currant berries on the palate. Likely to further improve with year or two.
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7/28/2019 - Mark1npt Likes this wine: 92 Points
Killer zin nose right at the pnp but the initial entry on front palate is flat, almost devoid of flavor....unfortunately the nose fades with an hour of air in the glass but the wine itself picks up a bit of life, weird how it's one or the other but never both at the same time.....dark ruby color with a lighter ruby rim in the glass. Good weight, some chalky minerality on entry with nice dark red/black brambly fruit. Mid palate still a bit acidic, but not nearly like the '16 Papera Ranch. The finish has nice spice to it, white pepper and some length, maybe 20 seconds. This is a frustrating wine.....could be a 96 if everything came together just right, but with nose and palate not playing together well now, it's a 92.
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7/24/2019 - Neras Likes this wine: 94 Points
Very expressive nose. Red berries, flowers. Balanced. Wonderful!
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7/17/2019 - Gnieboer Likes this wine: 93 Points
Nicely balanced immediately on opening, improved in first hour, but only a tad. Medium bodied, red fruit with an acidity that matched nicely with the mild tannins and good finish.
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6/12/2019 - SineQuaNon Likes this wine: 92 Points
Premium quality here, but seemingly closing down and not showing as much as last year. Deep and dark style of Carlisle Zin and as someone points out below, not the typical blackberry ans raspberry profile. Brooding and structured - for a Carlisle Zin - this begs to be cellared some years imho. 92+
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4/14/2019 - wrm Likes this wine: 92 Points
Good, but could use some more time.
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4/10/2019 - ravbik wrote: 93 Points
Ripe rich full bodied zin.
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3/6/2019 - Ex-Ray Likes this wine: 92 Points
Dark garnet, opaque. Fairly full bodied, but a dark fruit style rather than the strawberry, raspberry, acetic style I prefer. Very nice zin, just not the style I prefer.
Ric
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2/18/2019 - pjhr Likes this wine: 92 Points
Tasty raspberry and blackberry on the open nose and rich palate with pepper and racy acidity on the moderate finish. Drinking well young!
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1/26/2019 - bubbachumps wrote: 92 Points
Rich cherry and minerals on the nose. High toned and medium bodied in the mouth.
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1/20/2019 - vmjr Likes this wine: 91 Points
Strawberry, cherry and chocolate nose. Blackberry, pepper and chocolate with a dry finish. High in alcohol give warm long finish.
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1/18/2019 - Ecb1456 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Lush with a bit of bite up front. Chills with an hour of decanting. Black fruit dominates with enough tannic reserve to add an exclamation to it without detracting. Went great with pizza.
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1/8/2019 - BobMilton Likes this wine: 91 Points
Good restrained Zin. Red fruit on the palate.
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1/3/2019 - Bowski412 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Continuing my tour of the 2016’s, I selected the Carlisle Vineyard tonight. I don’t think I’ve ever had a zin with blood orange as the most prominent flavor, but this one has it...Mr. Officer nailed the flavor profile again. Along with cherry, cranberry and medium body, this has bright acidity and tannins to balance it. A minty sensation with slight alcohol is on the backend of this. A nice and complex wine.
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1/1/2019 - nickgorski Likes this wine:
2hr decant. What a classy, refined zin. In one word I'd describe it as 'precise'. Beautifully balanced, the fruit (and there is plenty of fruit) is expressed with absolute clarity. Will be fun to see how this evolves over time if I can keep my hands off remaining bottles.
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12/28/2018 - yaCellar Likes this wine: 93 Points
Very good, with its youth not at all holding it back. The racy acid is in perfect balance to the rich fruit.
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12/19/2018 - TastesGoodToMe Likes this wine: 94 Points
one of the better Zin's I have had. A little more delicate and nuanced than your typical Zin. Went great with Italian food. The 2nd half of the bottle on it's own was even better and where this really shined.
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12/9/2018 - Lforrest wrote:
88% Zinfandel
12% Mixed Black and White Varieties (Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Grand Noir, Peloursin, Trousseau noir, Tempranillo, Muscadelle, Malvasia, Muscat, and 30 other varieties)Medium dark to dark ruby-garnet. Intense aromas of red berry compote (raspberry, cherry) laced with notes of blood orange and earth. Medium-full to full bodied, the wine is deftly balanced between fruit, tannin, acidity, and alcohol. Spectacular! Shows incredible class, refinement, and nuance. Optimal enjoyment should be from release through 2026.
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12/9/2018 - Lforrest wrote:
winery: Medium dark to dark ruby-garnet. Intense aromas of red berry compote (raspberry, cherry) laced with notes of blood orange and earth. Medium-full to full bodied, the wine is deftly balanced between fruit, tannin, acidity, and alcohol. Spectacular! Shows incredible class, refinement, and nuance. Optimal enjoyment should be from release through 2026.
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12/1/2018 - Matt Scott Likes this wine: 95 Points
Cocked and loaded with red berries, cola spice, tangelo and cherry wood. Such purity on the nose and every millimeter of your palate is covered with glorious fruit. Wonderful depth and satisfying acidity. Absolutely enjoyable today. Different, but on the same level as the classic ‘12. Goes on for awhile. Drink now - 2028.
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11/28/2018 - Frank Murray III wrote:
Last tasted at the winery when we visited in July. I dug it then, and its drinking stellar again today. These bottles arrived a few weeks ago, and given the charity challenge running for our man Jason Hagen, figured this was a good bottle to honor him and his health. Opened this about 30 mins ago, dumped it into a nice stem, serving it at 66 degrees. Vintage after vintage, this is consistently beautiful stuff, a wine I have been drinking for 16 vintages. Distinctly juicy, with a bright core of acidity that frames the dark raspberry, some light vanilla and a finishing purity of cobbler-like fruit. The finish has excellent structure, with a final note of licorice. Delicious again, Mr Officer.
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11/20/2018 - RobbieC Likes this wine:
Excellent!
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11/18/2018 - Winowhyno wrote: 91 Points
Very nice Zin.
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11/14/2018 - Mike Dildine Likes this wine: 95 Points
Just stunning old vine, RRV Zinfandel. Great now with upside.
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11/9/2018 - pakabear Likes this wine: 94 Points
One of the better years for sure, dark red fruits, cooking spices, sweet oak, vanilla, composite, salty minerals, very nice balance and length. Not quite JD’s score but it may get better. This was a PnP, and quite good immediately but better with a few hours of air.
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7/27/2018 - Frank Murray III wrote:
July 2018 Carlisle Visit To See Mr. O (Carlisle Winery): Drank at the winery. Spicy, some bay leaf/eucalyptus. The core of this is boysen with dark raspberry and a finish of the signature Carlisle acidity comes through and some tartness too to keep it all bright. Always love this plot, it forms for me the emotional connection I have to Mike and his wines. Always.
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