Which Carlisle are you drinking?

Sounds like a great idea. Great vintage.

Would be an awesome tasting! But not sure if id go with 2013. The Carlisle’s should be great but almost all 2013 Bedrock’s that ive opened have been super tight and in need of more time. The Bedrock/Bedrock in particular would be my biggest concern.

I have all four for 2015 if you think that would be better.

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Such a tough call! Im confident the Carlisle’s will be singing in both vintages but the Bedrock’s are a question mark. Maybe just plan to give them some air either way you go? For me, the Carlisle’s are ready to rock at pnp.

Different vineyard but this 2015 was fantastic last night. Still has plenty of time on the drinking window. Carlisle or Bedrock the Papera is always a favorite.

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Love Papera. Probably my favorte year in, year out from Carlisle.

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Opened one of these over the weekend and it was indeed fantastic.

PnP. Dark black fruit layered with fresh and vibrant red fruit. Great balance and a long lingering finished which included a hint of spice/pepper. In a perfect drinking spot

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Agree but I think the Mancini has been better the past several years. They’re both very good.

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So, I went ahead and opened all four (well, it took five bottles because the first bottle opened for the Bedrock Bedrock was spoiled - layers/chunks of sediment, and a nose of stewed tomatoes. So, in an effort to have all four in good shape, I grabbed my last bottle, and it was in much better shape).

Interesting to see which bottles changed over time, and which didn’t. In the end, my favorite was probably the Carlisle Carlisle, although the Bedrock Bedrock came out of the gate swinging. Darker, a little richer and rounder than the others (it was the only one not listed as a Zin) - it was the majority winner and delicious from start and for the several hours it was open.

The Bed-Car, and Car-Bed were solid zins, and on any other day I would have been thrilled to just drink either one. But, I think they suffered a little in comparison to the other two.

The Carlisle Carlisle was the most interesting, and ultimately my favorite. It started off a little thin with tart red fruit - a bit disappointing. But, after an hour or two, it really opened up. Smooth like silk, a nice balance of red and black fruit. AG said in his review that it had “notable depth and power” - that seemed like an apt description. Just a super wine.

So, pretty fun to open them all up at the same time.

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This something I really need to do sometime soon.

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I like your style my friend! :cheers:

Awesome tasting! Thanks so much for posting!

Totally agree my friend!

You coming to AZ anytime soon?? I’ll line em up if you help me shoot em down :cheers:

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No current plans but that is a very tempting offer. If you ever make it to PA, I am willing to do the same.

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My brother lives in AZ (Paradise Valley area). Happy to snake some of his bottles next time I am coming through town - and don’t feel bad for him, most of his bottles are ones I gave to him.

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Let me know next time you’re in town! Thats right by where we live!

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Has anyone tried the Montecillo Cab? It’s supposed to be structured and comes from a vintage where most Cabs are still very firm.
Btw I just scored this wine from K&L for $59!

2015 Carlisle Zinfandel Bedrock Vineyard - PnP. Deep black fruit framed by Zin bramble and lifted up by a layer of petite sirah. Very nice wine.

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Had friends over for pizza so decided to pit the 2019’s of my two favorites from Carlisle against each other.
Last minute decision so PNP.
Carlisle was a bit tight, but after 30 minutes was quite full & vibrant with red & black fruit & spice. I think this might be the best Carlisle Carlisle vintage I’ve had?
The Papera was even tighter. Higher acid, bright red fruit, brambly, heavier tannins than the Carlisle. Needs more air and perhaps bottle time than the Carlisle or any of Mikes other 2019 Zins for that matter, imo.
Note- Papera is usually my favorite in any vintage.

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A really nice drinking PS! Beautiful meaty nose, black cherry, hints of blueberry, smoked pepper, a lot going on. Great mouth feel with a long finish. Just really tasty.

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2016 Carlisle/Carlisle Zinfandel. Always in my top tier of Mike’s offerings and the 16 is drinking really well right now. Darker fruit on the nose but more red fruited on the palate with a slight savory note on the finish (one of my favorite aspects of this Vineyard). Medium + bodied thanks to the acidity and delicious at pnp but even better after some air (last couple glasses were best). Drink now and over the next 5 years, with some possible improvement in the short/mid-term.

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