2023 Carlisle Pagani Ranch Zinfandel Sonoma Valley 6pk 6x750ml

The 2023 Pagani Ranch Zinfandel reflects the cooler vintage with striking energy. The fruit comes from a unique block in the historic site that naturally traps morning fog and receives limited sun exposure in any given year. In 2023 that effect of slow ripening was even greater and really pushed to a vibrant, bright fruit profile wine. In 2023, it was the last fruit harvested in Sonoma for Ridge - picked between late October and early November. The oak regimen adds a great deal of nuance: just 3% new barrels, with the majority aged in varying degrees of older wood - 10% one-year-old, 20% two-year-old, 50% three-year-old, and 17% neutral. Expect lifted red and blue fruit, high-toned spices, and dried citrus peel. The palate is softly textured, with a touch of nuttiness and a light sweetness from ripe berries and dried apricots, but nothing overwhelming. The acidity is a real standout, suggesting excellent aging potential. ~96 Decanter

The 2023 Zinfandel Pagani Ranch comes from the oldest blocks of the ranch, planted in the 1890s in the Sonoma Valley. It pours a bright ruby/magenta color, and the nose is stunning, with beautiful fresh highlights, red and black fruit, and floral perfume shining through, revealing kirsch, hints of fresh blueberries, purple flowers, delicate baking spices, and sweet earth. The tremendous structure emblematic of the vintage is found in this wine, with a tension-driven feel and more nervousness, but it’s fully ripe and will only improve with another year or more in the bottle. Drink 2026-2040. ~95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Brooding at the core but richly textured, with wild berry and red plum flavors accented by roasted sage, brown baking spices and pepper, plus hints of fresh earth as this builds toward refined yet burly tannins. Drink now through 2033. 377 cases made. ~92 Wine Spectator

The 2023 Zinfandel Pagani Ranch is tightly wound and compact. Kirsch, blood orange, hard candy, cinnamon and dried flowers are some of the notes that open in the glass. I find the Pagani a bit light texturally relative to the norm for this site, which is surprising given its relatively low acid. ~ 92 Vinous Media