I've been reluctant to pull this from the cellar as I have found that most of the Carlisles I've had in the past don't match all that well with the foods we eat most often. However, last evening I decided to pull the trigger and open one with a grilled marinated flank steak. I was prepared to be disappointed and had a back-up bottle at the ready.
There was no need for the back-up as this 2000 Carlisle Syrah showed quite well. Dark inky-black color gave every indication this wasn't to be a wimpy wine. Just a bit of vanilla to accompany the blackberry fruit and the long peppery finish.
The wine was a pleasant surprise and the 2 of us finished the bottle over the course of the evening. Of course, my assessment/recollection may be clouded given that the wine tips the scales at 15.9% abv.
Redwinger
PS: I doubt you'll find this on a list of wines recommended by Florida Jim
