2020 Sonoma County Zinfandel
69% Sonoma Valley Zinfandel, Pagani Ranch
18% Russian River Valley Zinfandel, Papera Ranch
9% Russian River Valley Zinfandel, Carlisle Vineyard
2% Sonoma Valley Zinfandel, Old Hill Ranch
2% Sonoma Valley Zinfandel, Bedrock Vineyard
Every time I think of this wine, I smile. Why? One reason is simply the pleasure it provides. Another reason is the incredible value it represents. But perhaps the biggest reason for the ear-to-ear grin on my face is how this wine’s humble Sonoma County designation belies the greatness of the vineyards that compose it. What producer is crazy enough to take their Pagani Ranch Zinfandel and then blend in barrels of Carlisle Vineyard, Papera Ranch, Old Hill Ranch, and Bedrock Vineyard and simply call it Sonoma County? Carlisle! That’s who! Aged in all older, neutral French oak and unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Bright, medium ruby-garnet. Oh my! What a nose! Smells like a bowl of freshly macerated red cherries with notes of underbrush. Medium-full bodied, the wine glides across the palate with flavors of cherries and red licorice whips. There’s weight but at the same time, an ethereal sensation. So tasty and satisfying that I see very little reason to wait on this. Enjoy from release through the end of 2027. (MRO - 07/18/22)