Tried these three the other night for DinDin:
1, Forlorn-Hope Saturn NapaVlly Dry WW (13.30%; 33% YountMillSemillon/LarkmeadSauvVert/Peripolli SauvBlanc ) MathewRoroick/Fairfield 2013: Med.gold color; strong SEm/figgy/waxy slight herbal/SB light toasty/oak slight earthy/chalky some complex nose; quite tart/tangy/slight steely fairly strong Sem/figgy/waxy light herbal/SB/floral/dandelions light pencilly/oak slight chalky/perfumed talc bit complex flavor; long fairly strong Sem/waxy bit floral/herbal/SB finish; speaks mostly of Semillon w/ a slight floral component; quite an attractive elegant expression of Semillon; no signs of oxidative character and should go another 4-6 yrs & get even more interesting.
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2. Carlisle Syrah PelkanRanch/KinghtsVlly (14.9%; 170 cs) 2008: Very dark color w/ slight bricking; intense blackberry/Syrah/very spicy/ripe/ bit licorice strong toasty/Fr.oak almost OzShiraz-like slight cedary/oldRed fairly complex nose; lightly tart some blackberry/Syrah/peppery/licorice some toasty/oak slight cedary/oldRed bit drying flavor w/ light gentle bit drying tannins; very long bit tired/cedary/oldRed some spicy/blackberry/Syrah/peppery some complex finish w/ light tannins; still plenty of spicy Syrah frui therein but starting on its downhill trajectory; quite a lovely mature Syrah nose but not as good on the palate.
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3. Carlisle PetiteSirah YorkvilleHighlands (14.5%; 210 cs) 2008: Very dark/near black color w/ little bricking; rather earthy/dusty slight pungent some licorice/peppery/PS light toasty/oak nose; soft bit drying/astringent slight licorice/peppery/PS light toasty/oak flavor w/ light drying tannins; very long rather blackberry/PS/peppery somewhat soft light toasty/oak rather rich/lush finish w/ light soft tannins; not as interesting as the Syrah but in much better shape & not showing much signs of going downhill; just not as evolved & interesting.
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A wee BloodyPulpit:
1. The two Carlisles offered up plenty of pleasure to drink but they are showing signs of starting downhill. Drink up.
Tom