Zinfandel

This is a Zinfandel blend.  It seems to be a bit past prime at this point but still hanging in there.  Not as energetic as it was a few years prior.  No sin in that for this wine, it just means to drink the newer vintages in the first five years or so.  Purple in color.  The nose has cherries, black cherries, some spice and a bit of alcohol.  On the palate, mostly red fruits; cherries and raspberries.  Not deep but tasty.  There is some heat on it, more warming than hot.  

This is a field blend with over 30 different types of grape interspersed throughout the vineyard, much of it zinfandel and alicante bouschet, but also tempranillo, mondeuse, carignane and mourvedre.  Pop and pour, it is very interesting.  Ruby in color with some purple swirls.  The nose has a some barnyard which seems to be brettanomyces ( a yeast that is in wines).  It is possible its just from the Mondeuse or possibly some Mourvedre.  In addition, there is great black cherry fruit and a bit of anise.  On the palate, this has tart red cherry fruit with a bit of earthiness.  Slightly drying

One of my go to wines for inexpensive but really good red wines.  This costs around $25 a bottle and really over delivers.  Purple in color.  The nose has some raspberries, dark cherries, a bit of bramble, and some char.  On the palate, this has a nice full bodied texture.  It is young now and would probably last 10 years except that I can't manage not to drink these.  Black cherries, boysenberries, some black licorice on the palate.  Light to medium tannins.  Good acidity.  Works well on its own or with food.  Nice finish.  Some upside potential to improve with age for a couple of years.  

I try to let some of my Carlisle wines age.  Really, I do.  This is about as successful as I get.  They are just so good young.  This one was consumed at age 5.  Purple in color.  The nose has black cherries, some raspberries, a bit of black licorice and char.  On the palate, a really luxurious texture.  Delicious.  Black cherries, some black licorice and char.  Great balance.  Long finish.  Great on its own or with food.  Great wine.  

From a 375ml.  This is a nice bottle to have when you want something easy and not too expensive for a couple of glasses.  Purple in color.  Cherries and slight raspberries on the nose.  Some bramble and spice.  Easy drinking.  Not too complex.  Enjoyable.  Around $15.  

Another Carlisle wine, another great wine.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  On the nose, black raspberries, spice, and some vanilla.  On the palate, a great lush but juicy texture.  Great energy.  Flavors of black raspberry, some char and pepper.  Long finish.  Works well with food or on its own.  

One of the best Zinfandel producers and one of the best Zinfandel vineyards.  What's not to like?  This is a great Zinfandel.  It's always a question when to open Zins.  They drink so well young.  Some of them age great.  This is one that there is no right answer to the question as it seems its always good.  Purple in color.  The nose has raspberries, boysenberries, bramble, black pepper and an interesting iodine note.  On the palate, this has a lush but lively texture.  Great energy to the wine.  Flavors of raspberries and dark cherries intertwines with char and earth.  Great balance.  Lon

Sometimes when in a restaurant in can be challenging to find a wine that is priced fairly and good.  Often, I just turn to beer.  Last night, this one was on the menu for $45 at a nice restaurant.  This retails for about $26 in a limited release, so the price is a bit high, but not bad for a downtown restaurant.  sadly, it was served quite warm.  We asked for an ice bucket and got a marble cooler that had limited effect.  Nevertheless, the wine was good.  Purple in color.  The nose has black cherries, slight bramble, cherries, slight anise and alcohol.  On the palate, lush black cherries an

From one of oldest Zinfandel vineyards in the Pacific Northwest dating back to the early 1900's.  I love this Zin as it is not boisterous but it is intense.  It also ages well.  Purple in color.  The nose has raspberries, cherries and some spice.  On the palate, this is deep.  Tight right now.  Cherry and black cherry fruit.  Great acidity.  Nice finish.  Food friendly.  Good now but will get more complex with age.  

This was a bit backward and tight and the moment.  It needed some time and air although it is getting close.  Purple in color.  The nose is nice with black cherries, slight bramble, and raspberries.  On the palate, this has a great texture.  Once it opens, it is just delicious.  Deep but tight.  Gobs of juicy black cherries and raspberries.  An underlying char.  Works with big foods.  Nice finish.  Will it age?  Yes.  How well just depends on how you like you Zins.