Neil Valenzuela

9.0

Inky, deep purple color. Aromas of berry pie, mocha, cigar box and a little barnyard funk. Flavors of vanilla, clove and dried violets. Some petit Syrah and petit Verdot are noticeable amongst other varietals. — 20 days ago

Delectable Wine

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9.7

The 2018 Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard is even better from bottle than it was from tank last year. What a wine! In 2018, the Carlisle Zinfandel is off the charts. Exotic floral notes, crushed red berry fruit, spice and wild flowers give the 2018 magnificent inner sweetness and perfume that just gains in intensity with time in the glass. The blend of 86% Zinfandel and 14% Mixed Blacks works so well. For readers who want to know why 2018 is so magical in the Russian River and Sonoma more broadly, the 2018 Carlisle pretty much sums it up. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2021)
— 3 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Prisoner Wine Company’s eponymous first wine was inspired by the drinkable “mixed blacks” made by the Italian immigrants who originally settled in Napa Valley. Fruit from vineyards in warm Oak Knoll and cool-climate Carneros with just a touch of Viognier. Pleasant aromas of stone and citrus fruits. Pale lemon with flavors of apple, pear and lemon zest, well balanced, vivid acidity, nice creamy mouthfeel. Long finish ending with mineral notes. Nice! But I will not buy this because the cork is exposed without a foil or wax seal!!! — 4 years ago

Kevin Dale

9.2

Old-vine mixed varietal block from just west of Calistoga. Dark fruits and full bodied.  — 6 months ago

Bill Belanger

9.1

These grapes have very visible tannins (on the back of the tongue. ) After a bit, dark fruit will take hold. — 2 years ago

Ryan McClellan

9.5

This got buried behind a myriad of whites on Xmas eve, 3 days later this thing is crazy good. All the blacks and blues you’re looking for, with an almost candied quality. Perfectly balanced and a super long finish. Fun now, prob awesome is another 10 years. — 3 years ago

with Deb and Chris

MaJ CappS

8.9

An enormous nose of white pepper, dried cherry.

Juicy! In a good old Rhône kinda way, with precise herbs de Provence, fruity interlays of dried red and blacks, pepper and lip smacking tannins. The acidity carries a rare old mountain tune.. not unlike the fairytale of New York.. by the Pogues.. — 4 years ago

Stephen Redenbaugh

9.3

OG California Field Blend Goodness… inky black with waves of Ripe blackberry bramble, cherry, and a touch of smoke. I fell in love with these hyperbolic field blends 30 years ago. Rice, ripe, smooth, with s hint of green stem and leafy forest flooor. I forgot just how these wines scratch my zin/oak/mid-weight itch. I am making my response to find more… — 2 years ago

Ron from VA

9.3

Stunning maturity in the cellar - concentration of brambled fruit - reds/blacks. A touch of spice from the oak. No substitute for complex hot summer fruit. Holding out much better than the 2007 hot vintage. This is consistent with the stunning 2010 Merlot that M. Finot made.  — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Sparkling Shiraz is a tradition on Christmas Day in Australia and is a great match with Roast Turkey and Baked Glazed Ham. A foamy mousse amongst the dark Ruby red colour. Aromas of blackberry plum and spices. A wonderful palate - sweet and rich with soft velvety tannins. Plenty of life and freshness with red and black fruits. Just plain delicious. My only bottle sadly and I hope I have the willpower to leave my 2004 until next Christmas. These Rockford Blacks are rare birds even in Australia. Disgorged 2002. Postscript: Only purchased in mid 2020 from a private cellar. — 3 years ago