Zinfandel

This is one of the classic vineyards in California.  A whole host of wineries use this to make some very fine Zinfandels.  Carlisle's version tends to be middle of the road.  Interestingly, it also tends to be a pretty straightforward Zin the Carlisle lineup.  Of course, that is not a bad thing.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose has black raspberries, black cherries, spice and a bit of anise.  Those qualities carry thru to the palate.  This is on the bigger side but far short of many and certainly not jammy.  A nice depth to it.  If you like more of a claret style, these have sho

This is the Costco home brand.  My first time trying this and it was served to a group of people blind.  Everyone enjoyed this and for $17, there is some real value here.  Purple in color.  The nose has black cherries, bramble and spice.  On the palate, this is middle of the road in style.  A nice backbone of acidity should make it friendly with a wide variety of foods.  Good finish.  Is this amazing?  No.  But it is quite solid and as good as quite a few California Zins costing twice as much.  

Somewhat of a disappointing showing for this.  It drank fine, but a lot more was expected based on a bottle consumed just a few weeks ago.  Hopefully, the wine is just shut down at the moment.  A second bottle was opened and most of it is left, so it can be watched over the next couple of days.  Ruby/purple in color.  The nose is nice with black raspberries and some char.  On the palate, this is tight with black raspberry fruit.  No obvious faults but just lacking anything interesting or complex.  The texture is good but not what has become a staple of this wine.  Given its history, hopeful

From Magnum.  Ruby in color, opaque and flat.  The nose is dusty with cedar and black cherries.  On the palate, this is older and starting to get tired.  There is a tart acidity.  Black cherry fruit and slight dried cherries.  Not sure what this was like in its youth but now it is more claret in style.  Drinking well right now with fruit and complexity.  That said, drink up as this will start to slide soon.  Works with a wide variety of foods.  

This is a big, forward style Zinfandel but stays just shy of being over the top for that style.  Purple in color.  The nose has blueberry pie, slight fruitcake spice and black pepper.  With air roasted herbs come out with a bit of bramble.  On the palate, this is delicious with black raspberries, blueberries and cherries.  Deep and complex.  Long finish.  Would go well with bold flavored food especially cooked over a grill.  

A new wine for me, this was quite good.  From members of the Cline wine family.  Purple/ruby in color.  The nose has black raspberries and some bramble.  On the palate, black cherry, underlying char and slight earth.  Good balance.  More middle of the road on a Zinfandel scale.  Good with a lot of foods.  Seems like it will easily go a decade more.  

Purple/ruby in color.  The nose has black cherries, black pepper and slight chocolate.  Also some nutmeg.  On the palate, this is very ripe and jammy.  Lots of black cherry fruit and dried cherries.  There is a lot of depth here.  Mild tannins.  For those who like big, fruity wines, this is it.  For others, it might be a bit over the top.  There is some acidity, however, it would take bold flavored foods to stand up to this.  However, one glass, on its own is tasty as a cocktail.  15.9% Alc.  

Deep ruby in color, clear and bright.  The nose is nice with black cherries, some bramble and slight spice.  On the palate, this has sweet red fruits.  Drinking easy and delicious if not a lot of depth.  Nice texture.  Made for short term consumption.  Works with heavier foods.  

Purple/ruby in color.  The nose is dusty with cherries.  Soft texture.  On the palate, black cherries with some spice.  Soft texture.  It is drinking well now with some depth.  This is a more Bordeaux-esque style of Zin.  For those who are looking for something more refined and not jammy, this fits the bill.  Works with a wide variety of foods.  Probably should be consumed in the next six years.  

Pale ruby in color.  The nose is different and a bit off putting.  Oranges and strawberries but also a burnt/raisin note that covers up any freshness.  Fortunately, this is better on the palate.  It is drier than most of the white Zins tried.   Citrusy, think pink grapefruits.  Some depth.  Kosher.  Retails for around $10.