I have been savings this for a long time because I wanted to see how it would age. Popped, decanted and poured. Aromas of boysenberry, huckleberry, wild cherry, wild strawberry and plum. Lot of fruit on this nose! Flavors of plum, cherry, boysenberry, black pepper and bit of balsamic. Ends with a 30+ second finish with balsamic and berry notes. The first couple of sips were great but the balsamic set in and took it down a notch. Still nice and was my favorite Carlisle but definitely prefer them younger than this. Rated this higher in it's youth.
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3 hour slow ox from Magnum. 16+% alcohol extremely well hidden in this very smooth, black and red fruited zin with the 15% field blend grapes adding a wonderful touch of complexity. Touch of sweet Oak. A quality wine of interest.
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This was a surprise. I found this in my cellar and felt that I was about 7 years late drinking this. The corkscrew entered a REALLY soft cork. It turned to dust as I tried to remove it. I had to filter the wine to remove the pieces and cork dust. But the wine was wonderful! Smooth as silk and plenty of fruit. This was a great surprise - and a reward for my negligence.
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Going super strong!! This has aged incredibly well. Pronounced black currant kote on the nose very similar to the nose on the 2006 Carlisle Vineyard Zin consumed recently. A weather related note from 2006? A winemaking related note from this period at Carlisle? I don’t know, but it is of Cab-like intensity. Further, all the ‘usual’ zin goodness from Carlisle; brambly fruit, both fresh and candied, chocolate, creamy malo texture, zin-spice of cardamom, cinnamon and cloves. Another masterpiece from Carlisle. What happened to this vineyard? The back label says this was the last vintage. Too bad...
This is dark and young looking, at first, all truffles on the nose with plum, dark berry fruit. Medium weight, medium finish. Will revisit tomorrow. Lots of complexity, complete wine. Drink.
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WOTN. easily. finesse and power. graceful boxer. Brambles, ripe red fruits, black cherry. purple flowers. mid is bright with ripe red fruit and candied cherry. acidity keeping this wine fresh - perfect with food. spicy savory finish. Zin at its finest.
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Absolutely true to Zinfandel character. Do not pop & pour. It does not take long for the heat to blow off, but it is so MUCH better after about 40 minutes.
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Candy apple red in color. 16.1% ABV. Black fruits, pepper and anise on the nose. Black cherry, spice, nutmeg, raspberries and vanilla on the palate. Full bodied, great acidity and resolved tannins. Drink over the next 1-2 years.
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Dark garnet color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of aspirin, pepper, leather, berries and plums. Flavors of berries, raspberries and plums. Medium to bright acidity, medium to firm tannin, full bodied. Drink now with some air or continue to hold.
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My last of these and this was drinking very well, Best after it was open about an hour. Dark berry fruits and spice. Excellent balance and medium finish. Delicious.
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Pop and pour - note after 2 hours. Brambly fruits, cherries and mocha on the nose. Rich and concentrated palate of similar fruits and chocolate. Just a hint of heat on the finish. Drinking well now and should last another 3-5 years. Nice wine.
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A peak zinfandel experience. Perfumed entry, agree with the other recent note about it's floral profile. Leads into a core of purple fruit and the acidity balances the 16% alc. This bottle was drained quickly as we toasted to our last bottle from this great vineyard. One of Mike's best ever, I'd say.
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Last of the Pietro, ever! Sadly, the zin vines from 1905 were torn up. Opened and tried immediately. Raspberries and floral on the noise. Not overbearing like a fruit bomb, but seems well integrated and balanced. Incredible on the taste, well-balanced fruit, acidity and alcohol, not over the top at all, beautifully balanced! Drank 24 hours later. Is much more integrated. Incredibly balanced. Berries on the nose, but not overpowering. Delightful on the taste, berries, very balanced, a nice, crisp acid in the finish.
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Outstanding Zinfandel! Beautifully balanced, great dark berry fruit, spice depth, mouthfeel. A great example of what a zinfandel can be. Seriously good.
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16.1% ABV. Semi translucent dark garnet in the glass. In contrast to my last note from 2010, this is drinking well and was open for business. Notes from memory. Ripe spicy nose of zinberry and clove. Full bodied with sweet ripe berry fruit. Paired nicely with a porkchop.
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This is a wow wine, and I don't use that word too often...even for Carlisle. The wow is for the unique blend of minerality and place that shone through, despite the 16%+ alc vol. This wine could have really run wild but instead it was focused and precise. We poured off 375ml and tried that two nights later. Actually that portion drank better as the fruit was even more pronouced and the alc heat less so. One more bottle to go, will go for that within the next 12 months I think. Will then toast the end of Pietro's...wonder what pinot will taste like from that dirt?
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Decanted about an hour. Deep, dark ruby to purple color. Explosive nose full of brambly berries, vanilla, black pepper, fresh ground espresso, dark chocolate, charcoal, and some cherry. Very full bodied with solid, chewy tannins and good acidity. Massive on the palate full of spicy, peppery fruit, dark chocolate, and dark roasted espresso beans. Long finish full of the peppery fruit, spice, and just enough oak. A full bore, take no prisoners style of zin.
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Big, ripe, very dark with just a bit of alcohol. This one compares more favorably than an 08 Montafi I had recently as this wine while huge and such, also has some structure and acidity to back it up and give it some spine. Has a definite hint of the field blend which I really enjoy with the big Carlisle Zins. I am starting to wonder if there is an inverse relationship to Parkers points vs mine on some of Mike's Zins though.
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Black with deep ruby rim. Intense nose of dry, exotic spices, fresh thyme and rosemary, plum and blackberry essence. Full bodied and silky on the palate with good acidity. Excellent Zinfandel.
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Full throttle nose bursting of red and blue fruit, asphalt, white chocolate and pepper. Palate is at once richly fruited, chewy and juicy. Love all the textures and tactile sensations going on in harmony. More zin fruit and chocolate with a spice kick. High toned and totally delicious, fruit-filled finish. Great zin.
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First of three bottles, beautiful aromas right from pulling the cork on. Fresh blackberry, sweet compote scents. Palate is more restained than the nose and that's a good thing. Tannins are present but resolved, adding substance to the mouthfeel. Goes down easy, with a smooth finish and lingering minerality.
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One of the best carlisle zins in recent memory. A masterful field blend that created 105 years ago. Just wish this wasnt the last year of this wine as I really love it. I will treasure the one remaining bottle in my cellar. A pop and pour that I loved.
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Vibrant - color, aroma, and palate! Dark, extracted color, effusive nose of briar berries, and a juicy palate of cherry, blackberry, and red raspberry. I get a hint of coffee and pepper on the finish, but this wine is really about the fruit. Remarkably food-friendly, especially considering the 16.1% alcohol, though there is a touch of heat on the finish. Really, really good, and has plenty of life ahead, but I say, "Why wait? Drink now."
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Decanted for an hour. Deep, dark purple color. Big and open nose with brambly berries, cherries, fresh ground coffee, chocolate, pepper, and baking spices. Full bodied with ripe tannins and good acidity. Massive on the palate with more pepper than the nose led me to believe. Long finish full of peppery fruit and spicy oak. Big wine that easily handles the 16.1% alcohol.
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Goodbye to Barbieri. Great nose of red fruit, spice and something I can't quite place. Really nice on the palate, adding some bramble. Popped and poured and ready to go. Drank along side 2006 Novy Barbieri for comparison. While it doesn't have the Novy's finish, the Carlisle is still a touch better. Both are fantastic and the similarities are obvious. Again, plowing these vines under should have been a illegal. Drink or hold.
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16.1% ABV. Opaque dark garnet in the glass. Somewhat closed on the nose with clove spices, dusty dry earth, and perhaps some soy sauce or something savory. Medium full bodied with tangy sweet black fruit. This may need some more time.
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Huge nose of blackcurrant syrup, incense, orange blossom and chocolate. Dense and smooth but with a spicy vitality. The chocolate flavors step forward along with a little roasted coffee and raw meat. Dark fruits and Asian spices dominate the lengthy finish. My favorite of the 2006 Carlisle Zins. Could add a little more nuance with a year or two.
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Very dark purple, opaque. Ripe blackberry nose, kirsch. Full bodied, very rich, ripe black and blue fruit, long rich, ripe finish, slightly hot finish. Very fruit dominated wine, great fruit good balance but somewhat one diminsional.
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I tasted this as a "library" wine at the allocation pick up at the Winery. Wow! Smooth mouthfeel with a lot of fruit - but so well controlled and integrated. Happy I have three of these at home.
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Yum, yum yum... I like big wines and this Carlisle did not disappoint. Very similar to the Papera Ranch offering. Can't wait to finally make the list and enjoy these wines more often.
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What can you say? Big, jammy, briary wine that just plain works. Delicious and hedonistic. It is always a crowd pleaser. Hard to argue with wines that disappear this quickly when they're this well-made and tasty. The spice and fruit always marry so well in these wines. They are indulgent but so beautifully crafted. A-
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I opened this bottle the day before it was to be drunk to slow O2, it then received a 3 hr decant then refilled in the bottle. This is a big, lush, extracted wine-exactly wht I wanted to have with our cheese course. Mike has a way with hiding the high alc and this bottle was no exception. The balance of fruit, acid and some tannin hides the 16% abv. very well. This is mouth coating, thick stuff. It has some of the brambly zin berry characteristics, spice and a little menthol. I can't stand menthol in wines but this was subtle enough that it did not distract. I've seen it said before and this wine was certainly representative, but some of the Carlisle wines seem to push the envelope as far as possible without falling over the edge, flirting with excess. Just when you think there is too much, they back off. I can't drink these regularly, but enjoy them when the time is right.
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Consistent with the last tasting but a little more open and expressive. Delightful smoky zinberry, creamy texture and powerful briary finish. Tannins are balanced at this point. Drink over the next 2-3 years.
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Dad thought it was way too young, I was not so sure. Very powerful and beguiling nose, with amazing complexity for a zinfandel. Dark fruits, lots of pepper and spice. A little heavy on the palate suggests that this would do well food or cheese.
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This is complex on the nose and in the mouth. Lots of fruit and spices. Really good with food but also nice on its own. Ann said she got caramel with her meal of pork tendorloin. She also said marshmallow. I didn't get either of those. This wine was really good and I am sorry this was our last bottle.
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I selected this as the tailgate wine of the week for the Jets game. After the crushing defeat of the Pats, maybe this should become the official wine of the team. Popped and poured - but we brought real wne glasses. This wine is very smooth with excellent balance. Bramble spice, dark cherry, some vanilla from the oak but not a lot, and a bit of blueberry in the background. Long finish. Although the wine has a high relative alcohol content which is slightly notcieable on the nose, it is not disruptive on the palate. In the hot sun, drinking it goes to your head and you feel it then, but not while drinking. A smooth, round mouth feel. And excellent accompaniment to prime sirloin bacon cheese burgers with sliced onion. This is not a wine to drink with sushi, but we rarely have sushi at football tailgates.
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Wow. This is really tasty. Based on some of the other tasting notes I wasn't expecting too much. Huge nose with lots of fruit, some earthiness and licorice. In the mouth there is lots of fruit and some licorice and spice. This is good. Our only criticism would be the slightly noticible heat (16.1%).
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OC Blind Wine Dinner (The Winery - Tustin, CA): Although the nose seemed rather muted, the palate exhibited expressive notes of blackberries, dark chocolate, hot rocks, and minerals. Probably the most obviously Zin of the flight.
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The OC Goes Blind (The Winery, Tustin, CA): Rich ripe nose showing some soil like notes and signs of oak. Juicy and ripe with a touch of VA though some minerals on the back end. Something interesting hiding in there but hard to get to.
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Beguiling aromas of buttery cassis, dark chocolate, briar and wild flowers. Full bodied with dark fruit, anise and black pepper. A bright, peppery, crushed rock finish that shows a little tannin. Very good but not a wow wine. Maybe it needs a few more years? A little disappointing within the context of the Parker review.
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Absolutely delicious. I didn't not encounter the heat reported or expected at 16.1%. Wonderfully balanced. I'm saddened that this is the last year for this wine.
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Notes of raspberry, smoke, medium red fruit... great classic cali zin nose. Palate was really well balanced, some toasted oak comes through on the mid-palate, a real elegant wine, something I did not expect. The best Zin I have ever had.
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Initially tight on the nose and not showing much. After an hour or so, the wine began to show some of its charm. On the nose blackberry, touch of chocalate and some spice. In the mouth, smooth and long with some black raspberry and spice on the finish. A very balanced wine, so so smooth. Can't say anyting bad about this wine, but it seems to need some more time in the bottle or should've been decanted longer. I've had 3 of the '06 Carlisle's zins so far and this was the most reticent, with the regular sonoma county being the most exuberant and drinks the best currently.
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If you look up California red zinfandel in the dictionary, there would be a photo of this label. Beautiful wine, elegantly balanced, 16.1% alcohol masked in a velvet package. I really appreciate the comments from the winemaker, they're on the mark, including the heartfelt obituary for the old vines that made these grapes, it's a pity. I'd like to know what wine will be produced from the "new" vines so I can choose not to purchase it. Anyone know? Cheers to Carlisle for making a great zin, glad I got to taste it!
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2/4/2023 - slywka7 Likes this wine: 92 Points
I have been savings this for a long time because I wanted to see how it would age. Popped, decanted and poured. Aromas of boysenberry, huckleberry, wild cherry, wild strawberry and plum. Lot of fruit on this nose! Flavors of plum, cherry, boysenberry, black pepper and bit of balsamic. Ends with a 30+ second finish with balsamic and berry notes. The first couple of sips were great but the balsamic set in and took it down a notch. Still nice and was my favorite Carlisle but definitely prefer them younger than this. Rated this higher in it's youth.
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10/31/2022 - mxpbuy Likes this wine: 93 Points
3 hour slow ox from Magnum. 16+% alcohol extremely well hidden in this very smooth, black and red fruited zin with the 15% field blend grapes adding a wonderful touch of complexity. Touch of sweet Oak. A quality wine of interest.
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4/23/2021 - JBD wrote: 94 Points
This was a surprise. I found this in my cellar and felt that I was about 7 years late drinking this. The corkscrew entered a REALLY soft cork. It turned to dust as I tried to remove it. I had to filter the wine to remove the pieces and cork dust. But the wine was wonderful! Smooth as silk and plenty of fruit. This was a great surprise - and a reward for my negligence.
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9/29/2020 - SineQuaNon Likes this wine: 92 Points
Going super strong!! This has aged incredibly well. Pronounced black currant kote on the nose very similar to the nose on the 2006 Carlisle Vineyard Zin consumed recently. A weather related note from 2006? A winemaking related note from this period at Carlisle? I don’t know, but it is of Cab-like intensity. Further, all the ‘usual’ zin goodness from Carlisle; brambly fruit, both fresh and candied, chocolate, creamy malo texture, zin-spice of cardamom, cinnamon and cloves. Another masterpiece from Carlisle. What happened to this vineyard? The back label says this was the last vintage. Too bad...
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5/31/2018 - ginfizz Likes this wine: 94 Points
This is dark and young looking, at first, all truffles on the nose with plum, dark berry fruit. Medium weight, medium finish. Will revisit tomorrow. Lots of complexity, complete wine. Drink.
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4/27/2016 - Mlermontov wrote: 95 Points
WOTN. easily. finesse and power. graceful boxer. Brambles, ripe red fruits, black cherry. purple flowers. mid is bright with ripe red fruit and candied cherry. acidity keeping this wine fresh - perfect with food. spicy savory finish. Zin at its finest.
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6/12/2015 - MLwine wrote: 89 Points
Drink this up. Wine is good, but on the way downhill. Fruit is becoming more prune-like than vibrant. Solid, but not for much longer
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4/19/2015 - buckeye76 wrote: 94 Points
BLACK CHERRIES, LEATHER, LICORICE, AND CHOCOLATE IN THE NOSE. DEEP FRUIT, BLACK CHERRIES AND PLUMS IN THE FLAVOR. NICE LEGS AND A LONG SMOOTH FINISH.
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4/12/2015 - dmitchell4 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Zin at its finest.
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8/23/2014 - JBD wrote: 92 Points
Absolutely true to Zinfandel character. Do not pop & pour. It does not take long for the heat to blow off, but it is so MUCH better after about 40 minutes.
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7/16/2013 - tomlee wrote: 92 Points
Candy apple red in color. 16.1% ABV. Black fruits, pepper and anise on the nose. Black cherry, spice, nutmeg, raspberries and vanilla on the palate. Full bodied, great acidity and resolved tannins. Drink over the next 1-2 years.
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6/13/2013 - stufis Likes this wine: 90 Points
Perhaps my fave Carlisle vyd. This wine doesn't disappoint, even when one (maybe two) other '06s from Mike might suffer. Great over 3 nites.
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5/20/2013 - wineismylife Likes this wine: 91 Points
WIML91
Tasted non blind at a wine dinner.
Dark garnet color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of aspirin, pepper, leather, berries and plums. Flavors of berries, raspberries and plums. Medium to bright acidity, medium to firm tannin, full bodied. Drink now with some air or continue to hold.
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5/19/2013 - dsimmons Likes this wine: 92 Points
My last of these and this was drinking very well, Best after it was open about an hour. Dark berry fruits and spice. Excellent balance and medium finish. Delicious.
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1/21/2013 - cookie7 wrote: 91 Points
Pop and pour - note after 2 hours. Brambly fruits, cherries and mocha on the nose. Rich and concentrated palate of similar fruits and chocolate. Just a hint of heat on the finish. Drinking well now and should last another 3-5 years. Nice wine.
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12/1/2012 - btock Likes this wine: 93 Points
A peak zinfandel experience. Perfumed entry, agree with the other recent note about it's floral profile. Leads into a core of purple fruit and the acidity balances the 16% alc. This bottle was drained quickly as we toasted to our last bottle from this great vineyard. One of Mike's best ever, I'd say.
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11/24/2012 - MrMoops wrote:
Last of the Pietro, ever! Sadly, the zin vines from 1905 were torn up. Opened and tried immediately. Raspberries and floral on the noise. Not overbearing like a fruit bomb, but seems well integrated and balanced. Incredible on the taste, well-balanced fruit, acidity and alcohol, not over the top at all, beautifully balanced! Drank 24 hours later. Is much more integrated. Incredibly balanced. Berries on the nose, but not overpowering. Delightful on the taste, berries, very balanced, a nice, crisp acid in the finish.
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10/22/2012 - budman wrote: 91 Points
Not quite as good as the last one, but not bad at all.
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5/5/2012 - dabovino wrote: 93 Points
Outstanding Zinfandel! Beautifully balanced, great dark berry fruit, spice depth, mouthfeel. A great example of what a zinfandel can be. Seriously good.
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4/23/2012 - ogres3 wrote:
OUtstanding wine. Still has a few years of aging potential. Great fruit. Great finish.
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4/12/2012 - jdabrowski1027 wrote:
excellent, no formal notes taken!
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4/5/2012 - ogres3 wrote:
Jammy fruit that was full but muted. Drinking well.
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3/1/2012 - OneLastSyrah Likes this wine: 92 Points
16.1% ABV. Semi translucent dark garnet in the glass. In contrast to my last note from 2010, this is drinking well and was open for business. Notes from memory. Ripe spicy nose of zinberry and clove. Full bodied with sweet ripe berry fruit. Paired nicely with a porkchop.
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1/22/2012 - btock wrote: 92 Points
This is a wow wine, and I don't use that word too often...even for Carlisle. The wow is for the unique blend of minerality and place that shone through, despite the 16%+ alc vol. This wine could have really run wild but instead it was focused and precise. We poured off 375ml and tried that two nights later. Actually that portion drank better as the fruit was even more pronouced and the alc heat less so. One more bottle to go, will go for that within the next 12 months I think. Will then toast the end of Pietro's...wonder what pinot will taste like from that dirt?
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11/4/2011 - cbbrown3 wrote: 94 Points
Decanted about an hour. Deep, dark ruby to purple color. Explosive nose full of brambly berries, vanilla, black pepper, fresh ground espresso, dark chocolate, charcoal, and some cherry. Very full bodied with solid, chewy tannins and good acidity. Massive on the palate full of spicy, peppery fruit, dark chocolate, and dark roasted espresso beans. Long finish full of the peppery fruit, spice, and just enough oak. A full bore, take no prisoners style of zin.
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8/11/2011 - theferb wrote: 90 Points
Not as fruit forward as other Carlisle zins.
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5/28/2011 - chcook wrote: 92 Points
from memory this was great. rich zin fruit with no rough edges. med long finish
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5/25/2011 - Ekoostik wrote: 91 Points
Big, ripe, very dark with just a bit of alcohol. This one compares more favorably than an 08 Montafi I had recently as this wine while huge and such, also has some structure and acidity to back it up and give it some spine. Has a definite hint of the field blend which I really enjoy with the big Carlisle Zins. I am starting to wonder if there is an inverse relationship to Parkers points vs mine on some of Mike's Zins though.
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5/24/2011 - ravbik wrote: 91 Points
Wonderful zin, dark, brambly, fruity, lots of cherry and blackberry
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5/19/2011 - dougsmith wrote: 94 Points
Black with deep ruby rim. Intense nose of dry, exotic spices, fresh thyme and rosemary, plum and blackberry essence. Full bodied and silky on the palate with good acidity. Excellent Zinfandel.
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5/1/2011 - budman wrote: 92 Points
Smooth dark fruit. No heat in spite of 16% alcohol. A real treat.
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4/7/2011 - Nanda wrote: 93 Points
Full throttle nose bursting of red and blue fruit, asphalt, white chocolate and pepper. Palate is at once richly fruited, chewy and juicy. Love all the textures and tactile sensations going on in harmony. More zin fruit and chocolate with a spice kick. High toned and totally delicious, fruit-filled finish. Great zin.
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3/31/2011 - btock wrote: 91 Points
First of three bottles, beautiful aromas right from pulling the cork on. Fresh blackberry, sweet compote scents. Palate is more restained than the nose and that's a good thing. Tannins are present but resolved, adding substance to the mouthfeel. Goes down easy, with a smooth finish and lingering minerality.
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3/19/2011 - theferb wrote: 90 Points
a deffinite food wine. steak or lamb best.
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2/9/2011 - glg wrote: 96 Points
Wow - perhaps the best zinfandel I've ever had. Too bad I am all out.
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1/4/2011 - Screameagle wrote: 93 Points
One of the best carlisle zins in recent memory. A masterful field blend that created 105 years ago. Just wish this wasnt the last year of this wine as I really love it. I will treasure the one remaining bottle in my cellar. A pop and pour that I loved.
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12/19/2010 - O>-< wrote: 93 Points
Vibrant - color, aroma, and palate! Dark, extracted color, effusive nose of briar berries, and a juicy palate of cherry, blackberry, and red raspberry. I get a hint of coffee and pepper on the finish, but this wine is really about the fruit. Remarkably food-friendly, especially considering the 16.1% alcohol, though there is a touch of heat on the finish. Really, really good, and has plenty of life ahead, but I say, "Why wait? Drink now."
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12/3/2010 - cbbrown3 wrote: 94 Points
Decanted for an hour. Deep, dark purple color. Big and open nose with brambly berries, cherries, fresh ground coffee, chocolate, pepper, and baking spices. Full bodied with ripe tannins and good acidity. Massive on the palate with more pepper than the nose led me to believe. Long finish full of peppery fruit and spicy oak. Big wine that easily handles the 16.1% alcohol.
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10/23/2010 - T.J.Burn wrote: 93 Points
Goodbye to Barbieri. Great nose of red fruit, spice and something I can't quite place. Really nice on the palate, adding some bramble. Popped and poured and ready to go. Drank along side 2006 Novy Barbieri for comparison. While it doesn't have the Novy's finish, the Carlisle is still a touch better. Both are fantastic and the similarities are obvious. Again, plowing these vines under should have been a illegal. Drink or hold.
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8/11/2010 - OneLastSyrah Likes this wine:
16.1% ABV. Opaque dark garnet in the glass. Somewhat closed on the nose with clove spices, dusty dry earth, and perhaps some soy sauce or something savory. Medium full bodied with tangy sweet black fruit. This may need some more time.
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6/5/2010 - pgordon62 wrote: 92 Points
Huge nose of blackcurrant syrup, incense, orange blossom and chocolate. Dense and smooth but with a spicy vitality. The chocolate flavors step forward along with a little roasted coffee and raw meat. Dark fruits and Asian spices dominate the lengthy finish. My favorite of the 2006 Carlisle Zins. Could add a little more nuance with a year or two.
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5/31/2010 - Haltermr wrote: 91 Points
Formal notes not taken. Delicious, not really that complex. Nicely textured. Biggest flaw was following a Saxum Heart Stone.
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4/20/2010 - gdbarton1@gmail.com wrote: 92 Points
Very dark purple, opaque. Ripe blackberry nose, kirsch. Full bodied, very rich, ripe black and blue fruit, long rich, ripe finish, slightly hot finish. Very fruit dominated wine, great fruit good balance but somewhat one diminsional.
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4/17/2010 - JBD wrote: 92 Points
I tasted this as a "library" wine at the allocation pick up at the Winery. Wow! Smooth mouthfeel with a lot of fruit - but so well controlled and integrated. Happy I have three of these at home.
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4/4/2010 - River Rat wrote:
Yum, yum yum... I like big wines and this Carlisle did not disappoint. Very similar to the Papera Ranch offering. Can't wait to finally make the list and enjoy these wines more often.
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3/5/2010 - gutt22 wrote:
What can you say? Big, jammy, briary wine that just plain works. Delicious and hedonistic. It is always a crowd pleaser. Hard to argue with wines that disappear this quickly when they're this well-made and tasty. The spice and fruit always marry so well in these wines. They are indulgent but so beautifully crafted. A-
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12/31/2009 - jbposell wrote: 94 Points
Can Zinfandel get much better? Yes, maybe a little, but not much. And of course that would be another Carlisle...
Drank as our "before dinner wine" up in Paso, it smoked everything that came later. Glad to have a couple more of these
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12/21/2009 - oaxaca90049 wrote: 90 Points
another fabulous crowd pleaser from Mike.
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12/17/2009 - gregg g wrote:
I opened this bottle the day before it was to be drunk to slow O2, it then received a 3 hr decant then refilled in the bottle. This is a big, lush, extracted wine-exactly wht I wanted to have with our cheese course. Mike has a way with hiding the high alc and this bottle was no exception. The balance of fruit, acid and some tannin hides the 16% abv. very well. This is mouth coating, thick stuff. It has some of the brambly zin berry characteristics, spice and a little menthol. I can't stand menthol in wines but this was subtle enough that it did not distract. I've seen it said before and this wine was certainly representative, but some of the Carlisle wines seem to push the envelope as far as possible without falling over the edge, flirting with excess. Just when you think there is too much, they back off. I can't drink these regularly, but enjoy them when the time is right.
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12/2/2009 - pgordon62 wrote: 91 Points
Consistent with the last tasting but a little more open and expressive. Delightful smoky zinberry, creamy texture and powerful briary finish. Tannins are balanced at this point. Drink over the next 2-3 years.
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9/28/2009 - glg wrote: 94 Points
Dad thought it was way too young, I was not so sure. Very powerful and beguiling nose, with amazing complexity for a zinfandel. Dark fruits, lots of pepper and spice. A little heavy on the palate suggests that this would do well food or cheese.
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9/26/2009 - Outplaying wrote: 91 Points
This is complex on the nose and in the mouth. Lots of fruit and spices. Really good with food but also nice on its own. Ann said she got caramel with her meal of pork tendorloin. She also said marshmallow. I didn't get either of those. This wine was really good and I am sorry this was our last bottle.
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9/20/2009 - Jay Hack wrote: 92 Points
I selected this as the tailgate wine of the week for the Jets game. After the crushing defeat of the Pats, maybe this should become the official wine of the team. Popped and poured - but we brought real wne glasses. This wine is very smooth with excellent balance. Bramble spice, dark cherry, some vanilla from the oak but not a lot, and a bit of blueberry in the background. Long finish. Although the wine has a high relative alcohol content which is slightly notcieable on the nose, it is not disruptive on the palate. In the hot sun, drinking it goes to your head and you feel it then, but not while drinking. A smooth, round mouth feel. And excellent accompaniment to prime sirloin bacon cheese burgers with sliced onion. This is not a wine to drink with sushi, but we rarely have sushi at football tailgates.
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9/2/2009 - MoreWinePlease wrote: 91 Points
Rich,ripe,flavorful w/out any heaviness. Last sip better than first.
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7/23/2009 - Outplaying wrote: 91 Points
Wow. This is really tasty. Based on some of the other tasting notes I wasn't expecting too much. Huge nose with lots of fruit, some earthiness and licorice. In the mouth there is lots of fruit and some licorice and spice. This is good. Our only criticism would be the slightly noticible heat (16.1%).
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6/20/2009 - Paul Lin wrote: 89 Points
OC Blind Wine Dinner (The Winery - Tustin, CA): Although the nose seemed rather muted, the palate exhibited expressive notes of blackberries, dark chocolate, hot rocks, and minerals. Probably the most obviously Zin of the flight.
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6/20/2009 - WetRock wrote:
The OC Goes Blind (The Winery, Tustin, CA): Rich ripe nose showing some soil like notes and signs of oak. Juicy and ripe with a touch of VA though some minerals on the back end. Something interesting hiding in there but hard to get to.
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6/20/2009 - Frank Murray III wrote:
The OC Blind Crew (The Winery Restaurant In Tustin, CA): Fat, round, jammy and spicy. The nose had a soapy note to it, too, which I did not care for. Light raisin and high oak.
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3/16/2009 - KenK wrote: 93 Points
Nice Carlisle Retrospective Tasting 2003-2006; 3/12/2009-3/16/2009 (Desmond's in Naples, FL): Dark sweet lush black cherry, spice, and vanilla on nose. Smooth rich concentrated flavors of ripe blackberries and toast. Beautiful density and great persistence with nice spice. Does Zin get better than this?
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1/26/2009 - pgordon62 wrote: 91 Points
Beguiling aromas of buttery cassis, dark chocolate, briar and wild flowers. Full bodied with dark fruit, anise and black pepper. A bright, peppery, crushed rock finish that shows a little tannin. Very good but not a wow wine. Maybe it needs a few more years? A little disappointing within the context of the Parker review.
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11/22/2008 - fisk15 wrote: 93 Points
Rockin good, spicy with red and black fruits, good supporting acidity and no heat. Some tannin exists so some may wish to decant.
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10/18/2008 - texaswinelover wrote:
Absolutely delicious. I didn't not encounter the heat reported or expected at 16.1%. Wonderfully balanced. I'm saddened that this is the last year for this wine.
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8/12/2008 - mebydef wrote: 91 Points
Deep, dark, dense. This was like eating berry pie. A bit heavy on the alcohol, but bold fruit with cutting acidity and a fine length.
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7/26/2008 - pakabear wrote: 94 Points
Notes of raspberry, smoke, medium red fruit... great classic cali zin nose. Palate was really well balanced, some toasted oak comes through on the mid-palate, a real elegant wine, something I did not expect. The best Zin I have ever had.
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7/26/2008 - bubbachumps wrote: 92 Points
Initially tight on the nose and not showing much. After an hour or so, the wine began to show some of its charm. On the nose blackberry, touch of chocalate and some spice. In the mouth, smooth and long with some black raspberry and spice on the finish. A very balanced wine, so so smooth. Can't say anyting bad about this wine, but it seems to need some more time in the bottle or should've been decanted longer. I've had 3 of the '06 Carlisle's zins so far and this was the most reticent, with the regular sonoma county being the most exuberant and drinks the best currently.
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6/5/2008 - BLGEE wrote: 97 Points
If you look up California red zinfandel in the dictionary, there would be a photo of this label. Beautiful wine, elegantly balanced, 16.1% alcohol masked in a velvet package. I really appreciate the comments from the winemaker, they're on the mark, including the heartfelt obituary for the old vines that made these grapes, it's a pity. I'd like to know what wine will be produced from the "new" vines so I can choose not to purchase it. Anyone know?
Cheers to Carlisle for making a great zin, glad I got to taste it!
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