This is still young but drinking quite well now. Purple in color. The nose has dark cherries, black raspberries, leather, bramble and spice. On the palate, this is juicy with lots of fruit. Black cherries mostly. Some leathery tannins. Depth. Delicious. Drank over a couple days, it was better on day 2. Nice finish. Food friendly or on its own.
This is a blend from the winery's home vineyard of 87% Zinfandel, 13% Mixed Black Varieties (Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Grand Noir, Peloursin, Trousseau Noir, Tempranillo, Carignan, Muscadelle, Malvasia, Muscat, Clairette blanche & 28 Other Varieties). Purple in color with some ruby swirls, opaque and bright. The nose takes about twenty minutes to open and then just keeps improving. Black cherries, raspberries, char, black raspberries, kirsch, and spice. Full bodied. Great energy. Wonderful balance. Light to medium tannins. Great semi-lush texture. On the palate, this is
This remains my favorite Carlisle Zinfandel year in and year out. There are lots of reasons, but chief among them is the texture. So rich and lush yet the wine has so much balance and energy. A blend of 96% Zinfandel and 4% Carignan. Purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose is great with raspberries, black raspberries, slight blueberries, smoke and slight bramble. Medium to full bodied. On the palate, black raspberries, raspberries and slight black cherries with smoke and some dry earthiness. Great acidity. Long finish. Delicious. This should drink well over the next ten to
This is in a great spot right now. It is still youthful and rambunctious but has calmed a bit since release. Purple in color, ruby at the rim. The nose has raspberries, slight strawberries with underlying coffee grounds. On the palate, this is juicy with a great texture. Delicious. Raspberries with underlying char. Clean. Will work with spicy or heavier foods. This should evolve over the next decade, but this style will fade in a year or so to be a kinder gentler wine. Its good right now.
My favorite Carlisle wine, and that is really saying something. There is something about this vineyard that just does it. It has a lot to do with texture although the other aspects are great too. And every vintage, Mike Officer seems to do better and better though 2016 might be hard to beat. Purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, black cherries, tobacco and spice. On the palate, this is lush and enveloping while being precise and concentrated. Notes of black raspberries and blueberries over a dry tobacco and earth along with a nice peppery quality. Great balance and a long
This is 93% Zinfandel and 7% Syrah from Sonoma County. Purple in color with some ruby hues, mostly opaque and bright. The nose has black cherries, slight plums, an interesting note of menthol, and spice. Medium to full bodied. Good acidity. Light tannins. On the palate, this is juicy and delicious. Black cherries with spice and slight char. Long finish. This is young but drinking well. It is nice on its own and will work well with grilled meats and veggies. Drink over the next seven to ten years.
