Santa Lucia Highlands

This is in a great spot at age 17.  Purple in color, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose has black raspberries, black pepper, slight gamey meat, and a bit of raspberries.  Full bodied.  Light tannins.  On the palate, this is deep with some complexity.  Black raspberry fruit with some black pepper and a hint of meatiness.  Nice finish.  This seems to be about at peak but should go another five to eight years at this level.  It drinks nicely on its own and will work well with roasted veggies, fowl or meats.  

Another outstanding wine from Carlisle.  This one is a bit more playful than some, but just as enjoyable.  At least as good, if not better on Day 2.  Deep garnet in color with purple swirls.  Opaque and bright.  The nose is nice with black raspberries, slight black olive, spice and roasted herbs.  Full bodied.  Lots of energy.  On the palate, nice black raspberry fruit with underlying spice and char.  Nice complexity.  Light but present tannins.  Nice finish.  A really enjoyable bottle.  Drank great on its own and worked with with a mushroom and potato dish.  Drink over the next seven to te

Perhaps its a style thing, but this one was not up my alley.  Maybe it just hasn't held up well or not optimally stored.  Ruby in color.  The nose is ok, with cherries and cherry juice.  On the palate, this is sweet.  Has to be some residual sugar I would think.  Candied cherries.  Not much depth.  Not much acidity.  Frankly, I couldn't wait for the finish to end.  I know some people would love this wine, but I am not one of them.  YMMV.  Given that I just don't like this style it doesn't seem fair to score it.  

This is a pretty big Pinot.  It is also delicious.  Purple/ruby in color, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose seems to have some volatile acidity.  Not an issue but might be worrisome with some age.  Other than that it has a very pretty cherry liqueur nose.  On the palate, lots of black cherries.  A bit of root beer.  Full bodied.  A bit of sweet alcohol but not hot or warm.  That sweetness is especially evident on the finish.  This is the kind of Pinot that is delicious on its own.  Would be perfect on the deck next to a summer fire.  It will work with big foods or BBQ.  

Ruby in color.  The nose has nice cherries with some floral notes.  A bit of spice.  On the palate, this has some depth.  Bright cherry fruit with an underlying mineral/char.  Still young but opens nicely.  Good finish.  Not a huge Pinot but certainly no wall flower either.  Should go with a good amount of foods.  Drink over the next ten years or so.