2012 Carlisle Syrah Papa's Block, USA, California, Sonoma, Russian River Valley, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2012
Score: 
94
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$60.00USD

This is one of the best Syrah's out of Sonoma County.  It is built for the long haul so make sure to let it rest in the cellar or give it plenty of air.  Purple in color, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose has black cherries, black raspberries, roasted meats and slight root beer note which was interesting.  Full bodied.  On the palate, lots of black raspberry fruit starting to layer with a charred earthiness and slight bacon notes.  This still has medium tannins.  Great balance and energy.  Long finish.  This may yet improve, but is more likely about as good as it will get.  No hurry, this

2015 Carlisle Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard, USA, California, Sonoma, Russian River Valley, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2015
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$47.00USD

Nice to revisit this wine.  It was quite rambunctious on release and while still more of a brawny Zin it has started the evolution to more claret in style.  Purple in color with ruby swirls.  The nose has raspberries, black cherries, some spice and black pepper.  On the palate, this is medium bodied.  Plenty of raspberries and cherries with some dry charred earthiness.  There is some warmth on the finish but not enough to be a concern.  There does seem to be enough fruit to last, so the question is what you are looking for in a Zinfandel.  If you want big and bold drink now, but if claret s

2016 Il Molino di Grace Chianti Classico, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$20.00USD

One of my go to Chianti's.  Truly a consistently great value.  2016 is another  great vintage in Chianti in general and for this wine.  Ruby/purple in color.  The nose has cherries, slight black cherries, tea leaves and just a bit of fennel.  On the palate, this is medium bodied.  A nice backbone of acidity.  Concentration and depth that will undoubtedly unwind into layers as it ages.  Right now lots of cherries on the palate.  This drinks well on its own but really is better with food.  Of course, pizza and pasta with tomato sauce but almost any meat or fowl or vegetable dish will work.  D

2017 Carlisle Grüner Veltliner Steiner Vineyard, USA, California, Sonoma Mountain, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2017
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-

This is my favorite California Gruner Veltliner, and admittedly small sample size.  It really is an outstanding wine.  Light green/gold in color.  The nose has minerals, limes and is a bit steely.  On the palate the limes carry thru with minerals underneath.  Crisp yet a hint of viscosity.  Concentrated.  Long finish.  This does drink well on its own but is better with food.  Seafood or salads work well.  It will drink well for five to seven years most likely, but it will be interesting to watch.  

2018 Myriad Cellars Sémillon McGah Family Vineyard, USA, California, Napa, Rutherford, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2018
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$35.00USD

This is a nice white from Mike Smith at Myriad.  Light golden in color.  The nose is a bit waxy with lemon (a slight furniture polish note) and nice minerality.  slightly viscous and slightly oily in texture.  On the palate there is a nice lemony note along with underlying minerality.  Crisp.  Good finish.  This is drinking well now.  it probably should be consumed in the next few years to enjoy its vibrancy but no doubt it can last longer.  It will go well with chicken salad or other lighter foods and sea foods.  

2016 Becklyn Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
94
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$100.00USD

This is Becklyn's base Cabernet.  Even so, it is still a great bottle and is expensive.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  Opaque and bright.  The nose has a lot of cassis, some cedar and spice.  On the palate, this is full bodied.  Firm tannins.  Lots of cassis, some blueberries over some cedar/earthiness.  Lush and delicious.  Nice finish.  This drinks great on its own right now.  It will require some grilled or roasted meat.  This should continue to evolve over the next seven to ten years and become more complex and food friendly.  It will drink well for twelve to fifteen years.  

2007 Cálem Porto Vintage, Portugal, Douro, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2007
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$40.00USD

This was a new Port house for me.  Purple in color, some brown swirls.  The nose is dusty with cherries and slight milk chocolate.  On the palate, more black cherries.  Slightly sweet.  Viscous.  Some warmth, not hot.  Nice finish.  This worked very well with a molten chocolate cake for dessert.  

2014 Shafer Relentless, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
96
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$80.00USD

This is a blend of 89% Syrah and 11% Petit Sirah.  It takes time for the Petite to emerge and today, the Syrah is really the show.  And a great show it is.  Inky purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose has black raspberries, char, violets, slight roasted meats and herbs.  Full bodied with a lush texture.  On the palate, juicy black raspberries with slight blueberries, and some underlying char and earthiness.  Medium tannins.  Long finish.  This drinks great on its own and went well with a chocolate cake but would work well with Indian food or roasts as well.  

2013 Carlisle Zinfandel Hayne Vineyard, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2013
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A

Carlisle makes a variety of Zinfandels.  This is one of my favorites.  Great vineyard.  Purple in color with ruby swirls.  The  nose has black rasoberries, bramble, and black cherries.  Also a bit of char.  Great texture.   A nice complexity with layers of black raspberry fruit, black pepper and woodiness/sticks.  Nice finish.  This is just passing the exuberant stage for a Zin but should continue to evolve for the next ten to twelve years.  It worked great with a chocolate molten cake dessert.  

2013 Behrens Family Winery The Collector, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2013
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$60.00USD

My first time trying this wine.  Very nice.  A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Petite Sirah and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose has black cherries, black raspberries, char and spice.  On the palate, the black cherries dominate.  There is some green bell pepper (in a good way) that is very traditional.  Some underlying roasted meats.  This already has a tight complexity that unwinds in the glass.  Nice finish.  This probably needs another five to seven to peak and should be good for ten to twelve more after that.  it is food friendly and wi

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