2016 Carlisle Zinfandel Pagani Ranch

Spice, cedar, black raspberries, plums and blueberries all emerge from the 2016 Zinfandel Pagani Ranch, which is lively, balanced and elegant on the palate, with fine tannin. It's a charming, silky Zinfandel that's going to evolve gracefully. This cuvée includes 5% Alicante and was brought up in 19% new French oak. Winemakers Mike Officer and Jay Maddox have hit pay dirt with these latest 2016s and across the board, they’re the finest set of releases I’ve tasted from this estate. While Mike’s wines are always deeply colored and powerful, the more elegant, balanced style of the 2016 vintage is front and center and these 2016s just glide over the palate, with perfectly integrated fruit, tannin, and acidity. In addition, most are approachable today given their purity of fruit, yet they’re going to evolve beautifully on their balance. Hats off to the team here and readers should not miss these wines!