2021 Sonoma Valley "Pagani Ranch" Zinfandel
85% Zinfandel
15% Alicante Bouschet
In this relatively trouble-free vintage, the old vines of Pagani performed admirably, providing more fruit than ever. Nearly 2.5 tons to the acre! Both the Zinfandel and the Alicante Bouschet were picked on October 7th. Twelve percent Alicante was co-fermented with the Zinfandel to ensure plenty of color and structure. Post malolactic fermentation, blending trials were performed and we decided to include another 3% Alicante to improve texture. Aged in 22% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Lucid medium-dark to dark ruby-garnet. Unlike our more red-fruited Russian River Zins, this wine is all about black fruits – blackberry, black cherry, even mulberry. Complicating notes of rich, loamy earth and black pepper add to the wine’s gravitas. On the palate, whoa Nellie! So smooth, so much depth of flavor, with the most incredible glycerin-like texture. Speaking from experience, I can attest that this wine goes down way too easily! Savor from release through 2032. (MRO - 07/15/23)