2016 Russian River Valley "Papera Ranch" Zinfandel
96% Zinfandel
4% Carignane
There have been many great Paperas over the years but for my palate, this may be the greatest. Critics who have tasted it seem to agree. Picked September 12th, 17th, and 19th, our hope in picking over multiple dates was to give us as broad a palette of flavors as possible for creation of the final wine. In the end, 73% of the wine made the final cut for this grand vin. Twenty-one percent new French oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium-dark to dark garnet-ruby with a prismatic luminescence. A very deep, concentrated nose of cherry-raspberry compote. No sign of herbaceousness as in the 2015. Just pure, lip-smackin’ zinberry goodness! On the palate, incredible texture and balance with electrifying acidity in the finish. Although thoroughly enjoyable now, I would suggest giving this one more year in bottle and then enjoying through 2028. (MRO - 07/01/18)