2016 Sonoma Valley "Pagani Ranch" Zinfandel
95% Zinfandel
5% Alicante Bouschet
Pagani rocked it in 2016! The Zinfandel component from the 1895 section was picked on September 22nd at 24.7 Brix. The Alicante portion from the 1920 section was picked on October 1st, also at 24.7 Brix. You know it’s going to be a great vintage for Pagani when the Alicante fully ripens. Once the two components finished malolactic fermentation, the final blend of 95% Zinfandel (this includes a few percent of mixed black varieties) and 5% Alicante was blended the following summer. Nineteen percent new French oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium-dark to dark ruby-garnet. A deep, brooding nose of blackberry, cherry, and blood orange is complicated by notes of dark earthiness and peppery spice. On the palate, the most incredible silken texture! So smooth, so balanced, so harmonious. Nothing is out of place. Finishes long and clean with totally integrated tannins. This is really first class. Optimum drinking should be from release through 2026. (MRO – 01/18/18)