2012 Carlisle Zinfandel Pagani Ranch
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Zinfandel Pagani Ranch (96% Zinfandel and 4% mixed blacks) comes from 112-year-old vines that Mike Officer personally saved from being ripped out. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered after aging in 30% new French oak. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a big, sweet bouquet of black fruits, roasted herbs, baking spices and hints of underbrush as well as licorice. Full-bodied, juicy and succulent, it can be enjoyed over the next 5-7 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Glass-staining purple. Expansive, strikingly pungent aromas of cherry-cola, blueberry, lavender and smoky Indian spices. Offers palate-staining black and blue fruit liqueur flavors enlivened by zesty mineral and spice notes and a hint of fresh flowers. The finish strongly repeats the blueberry and spice notes and hangs on with serious tenacity. Officer says that these vines are now 112 years old.
The 2012 Zinfandel Pagani Ranch stands out for its centered, beautifully focused personality. The 2012 is bright, lifted and expressive from the very first taste. Dark red berries, flowers, mint and spices all flesh out on the juicy, inviting finish. The style is all about texture. This is the last Zinfandel Carlisle picked in 2012. The blend is 96% Zinfandel and 4% mixed blacks.