Freddy R. Troya

9.6

I have made other reviews of the v.2020, but this 2018 vintage is something special, a true winemaker’s year marked by patience, balance, and reward. With a cool, even growing season and no major heat spikes, the fruit from Flora Marie Vineyard was picked at ideal ripeness, and it shows in every sip.

This Chardonnay is a masterclass in restraint and purity, offering a mineral-driven core laced with delicate salinity and soft white florals on the nose.

The palate is layered and evolving—baked pineapple, citrus zest, and yellow pear glide across a silky medium-to-full-bodied frame, all carried by a sense of poise and structure. The finish is long, clean, and quietly complex, never overreaching but deeply memorable.

Grafted from Montrachet clones (within Côte d’Or, specifically Côte de Beaune) onto the ridgelines of Russian River Valley, this bottling is a rare harmony of Burgundian heritage and Sonoma expression. If you find a bottle, don’t hesitate. It’s a wine that speaks for itself far beyond what words can express. Cheers! — 2 months ago

Mark Farrell

9.9

Second time having this wine. Dark ruby with a nose of blackberries, cassis, violets, and lavender. Also picking up notes of anise and vanilla this time. Perfectly balanced, everyone is playing well together on this wine. The acidity, tannin, and fruit are in perfect harmony across the long, powerful finish. Had to pair this with a nice steak. Did a steak tasting along with this wine. Cast iron seared Snake River Farms(SRF) ribeye medallion, SRF sirloin, and a local grocery store NY strip. I would have expected the ribeye to be the winner, but the sirloin was the favorite for all of us. All that being said the wine paired perfectly. Also had a glass of this wine with my wife’s pot roast the day before and it was divine. Hearty beef is a perfect pairing for this powerful wine. — 2 years ago

Martin Bergo

9.1

A Margaret River-producer from the beginning, whose inception was coached by Mondavi; deep purple; nose of dark mulberry, black currant, ripe cherries, black pepper, anise and nutmeg; showing great on the palate, forceful yet elegant, with tannins, ripe fruit, acid levels and alcohol in good harmony, and a long dry finish. Promising future. — 4 years ago

Randy Fillingim

9.1

Have had the pleasure of drinking a few Carlisle Zins the past few years. All have been delicious. Wonderfully made. This 15-year-old is still in near perfect harmony with the tannins and fruits. The continued high-quality from this winery is impressive.  — 8 months ago

Jan de Weerd

9.4

Earthy spices! Wonderful GSM in full harmony. Finaliy a wine that stands up to aged Gouda cheese and creating a symphony. Dark, vibrant complex fruit that meanders to satisfying finish. Did I mention spicy?! — a year ago

with Tammy

Adi

9.1

What a lovely Syrah comes from the north of the Rhône Valley, from my favorite St. Joseph.

🍇The domain extends over the longest river stretch in the north of the Rhône. The nature of the soil is very reminiscent of the neighboring Hermitage: granite, with the addition of sand and gravel, the east-facing slope receives less sunlight than the Hermitage, which results in slightly fewer berries, but it knows how to create competition for the Hermitage, Cote Rotie or Cornas.

🍇It usually doesn't need much time in the bottle compared to Cote-Rotei or Hermitage, and the prices are more affordable, which is why it's a particular favorite of mine.

🍇 It has power, infinite tannins run through it, ripe and delicate, perfect seasoning and lots of harmony. It has character, it has depth, full body, 14% alcohol, it has aromas and flavors of smoke, refined barrel, herbs and lots and lots of red and black fruit, maybe raspberry, maybe black cherry, maybe plum.

🍇The finish is soft, long and caressing.

🍇 Elegant, young, full of life, opened before its time, but I really loved it.

Cheers ! 🌿🥂

(From "Raisins in Facebook- it's all about wine and good people" — 3 years ago

Jim Maynard

9.5

2011 in February 2021. For me, this is about as good as I have had. No sign of age or oxidation. Great round tropical and stone fruit. Firm acid that would carry it another couple years. Wonderful balance and harmony. — 4 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.7

Simply stunning! Especially, for a Sonoma, not a Napa Cabernet. 😳

Follow up AB Cowgirl wine after the Saxum. If ever you thought a Sonoma Cabernet could not stand tall with a great Napa Cabernet, have a well aged good vintage of A. Raf..

4 hour decant.

Still medium plus, round, velvety tannins. Lush, rich, ruby; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, ripe strawberries, hints of heavenly raspberries, plum, dark, rich forest floor w/ dry leaves, steeped fruit tea, mid/dark berry cola, dark, dry Indian/Asian spices, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon to stick, caramel notes, malt balls, dark chocolate baking bar, black licorice to anise, dry, crushed limestone powder, soft, fresh tobacco, dry, used leather, softened tarry notes, some dry herbs-bay leaf sprinkled with sage, dry crushed rocks/river stone, dry top soil, candied & withering, dark, red, blue flowers framed in violets & lavender, crazy, round, excellent acidity, well structured & balanced for days, elegant, polished and an endless finish. Harmony on the palate.

Find an 07, you’ll thank me later. My highest recommendation for Napa/Sonoma Cabernets.

10-15 years of good drinking left in this 07. — a year ago

Randy Fillingim

9.3

Wow. Amazingly wonderful- still - at 17 years young. Tannins and fruits still doing their jobs in harmony. An excellent example of this varietal -done by this legendary producer. — 3 years ago

Turd Ferguson

9.4

Lovely wine. Has a bit of a Russian River fruit profile but lifted, higher acid. High complexity and good concentration for only 12.8%. As it should be. — 4 years ago