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This is a label created by golfer Ben Curtis and Rich Parducci.  The wines are meant to be affordable (full retail is about $20).  This Chardonnay was made in steel and uses no oak.  Screw capped.  Golden in color, with a bit of a copper hue.  The nose is tight but with some air, it opens to show lemon balm, lemon grass, and just a hint of LemonHeads candy.  On the palate, the texture is slightly oily.  There is an interesting chalkiness to it and the lemon balm comes thru.  It is steely and easy drinking.  This drinks well on its own.  Very refreshing.  It has enough acidity to work well w

This is a surprisingly big and bold Pinot Noir.  The surprise is more that it is from the Santa Lucia Highlands.  The vines were planted in 2008.  Although 2017 wasa bit lighter of a vintage in Sonoma/Napa, it would appear that down in Monterey, there was no issue in getting fruit ripe.  Certainly not for this wine.  It has a very pretty ruby/garnet color.  Clear and bright.  The nose shows coffee, black cherries, and a slight rhubarb.  With air a bit of brown sugar emerges.  On the palate, this is full bodied with light tannins.  It has juicy red berries.  There is some oak coming thru as

Tasted this as part of a virtual wine tasting during the Covid 19 Shelter in Place Order.  These tastings are a fun and informative way to try some wines.  This is a blend of 23 different vineyards to make an affordably priced wine.  For those seeking a wine in this style, this offers a nice value.  it has a medium to deep gold color with some green swirls.  The nose has plenty of up front toasty oak along with a bit of lemon chiffon and a hint of baked apple.  On the palate, this has s very nice, slightly oily texture.  The palate is similar to the nose.  The oak is out front, but there is

Nice to revisit this one.  It's been a few years.  This is drinking great although it still is probably not at peak.  Deep ruby in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is deep and very nice with cassis, smoke, slight cedar.  Very concentrated, it opens in the glass.  Likewise, the palate is very concentrated.  Cassis with slight earthiness and char.  Long finish.  This still has some lighter tannins.  This will drink well for at least another decade and probably two.  It drinks well on its own but will work well with roasted meats or vegetables.  

This is from a northern California.  While I really enjoy the Rhys Chardonnay's, this is not as exuberant the ones from Santa Cruz.  Still, it is excellent.  Golden green in color.  The nose has vanilla, slight grapefruit and slight pineapple.  On the palate, this has a very nice texture.  Slightly viscous.  Nice underlying minerality.  The vanilla comes thru without being too overt.  Nice fruit.  This is drinking well now.  I don't think it will get better but should remain at this level for another five to seven years.  It drinks well on its own.  This will go well with lighter foods such

This is my favorite wine from all of the Carlisle offerings.  And, it seems that Mike Officer really seems to excel in "off" vintages such as 2011 or 2017.  While still very young, this is a beautiful wine.  Deep purple in color, a thin ruby rim.  The nose has black cherries, plums, slight cedar/bramble and just a hint of roasted herbs.  On the palate, the texture is the thing.  Almost seamless.  Of course, it is also delicious, if still young.  Firmer tannins for a Zin.  It takes about an hour or two to open.  This went great with some homemade pizza.  It should continue to improve for the

This is a reasonably priced Napa Zin that is fairly available.  Not a big wine at all.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  Mostly opaque and bright.  The nose has some bramble and some cherries.  On the palate, this is medium bodied with cherries and bitter cherries.  No tannins to speak of.  Easy drinking.  A nice wine with a burger or pizza.  Probably best drunk in the next few years.  

During this period of "Stay Home", it helps to every once in a while open something really good.  Even during the middle of the week (to the extent I can keep track of what day it is).  The 2011 Saxum's are drinking beautifully.  That vintage seems to be maturing a bit faster than most.  This is a blend of 58% Syran, 27% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre.  inky purple in color with a thin magenta line at the rim.  The nose is great with black raspberries, black cherries, roasted meats, dried floral notes and slight chocolate.  On the palate, this has a lovely texture.  Rich but not overblown.  Smoo

I really like this wineries whites and I have liked some reds, but this wine was not at all to my liking.  Now, your mileage may vary.  And, it did taste better on day 2, so perhaps it just needs more time.

This is an interesting take on Rielsing.  Light golden/yellow in color.  The nose has an interesting citrus quality with a bit of sea air.  On the palate, this is medium bodied.  Dry.  It is mostly about the minerality/salinity on the palate.  Somewhat concentrated.  Consumed over three nights, it was at its best on night 2.  Not the most expressive Riesling but very enjoyable.  It is very food friendly and will work with almost any food.  Fired chicken would be a great pairing.  Drink now and for at least ten to twelve years.