2014 Sonoma Valley "Pagani Ranch" Zinfandel
86% Zinfandel
14% Mixed Blacks (Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Criolla Chica, and others)
Our 1895 blocks of Zinfandel were picked on September 17th while our section of the 1920s Alicante was picked on October 1st. All lots were inoculated with one of our favorite Rhône isolates of yeast, D254, and spent approximately 15 days on the skins. The Zin was quite powerful and ripe in this vintage so we found we preferred a bit more of the less ripe Alicante blended in to the final wine to create a more seamless and balanced palate.
Tasting Note:
Our “lumberjack in a tuxedo”, the nose exhibits a collaboration of red raspberry, flowers and cherry-vanilla. Enters with remarkable vibrancy and freshness – a nod to the acidity naturally retained in this cool pocket in the middle of Sonoma Valley. The palate expresses the hallmark feral/rustic character that is Pagani, with crunchy cranberry and blackberry cobbler notes, yielding to subtle licorice and cardamom accents on the long finish. Firm in structure, but by no means aggressive in character. Drink 2019 – 2028. (JCM – 07/18/16)