2023 Sonoma Valley "Pagani Ranch" Alicante Bouschet
100% Alicante Bouschet
The 102-year-old Alicante vines of Pagani Ranch were picked on October 23rd at an astounding 26.4 Brix. Happy vines in this vintage! After a 5-day cold soak, the must was inoculated with one of our favorite local yeasts, Williams-Selyem. On the 17th day the wine was gently pressed to one new and seven neutral French oak barrels. No fining. No filtration. The last Carlisle Alicante Bouschet and clearly the best. In fact, I’ve never enjoyed an Alicante as much, either produced by us or by any other winery.
Tasting Note:
Beautiful dark magenta/purple in color. A kaleidoscopic and complex nose of red and black raspberry, white pepper, and smoked paprika. The fruit intensity is insane! Medium-full bodied, flavors of black raspberry gummies (the kind coated with nonpareils), freshly tilled loam, and lavender explode on the palate. Youthful but velvety tannins emerge in the long finish. Pure magic. Enjoy from 2027 through 2040. (MRO - 07/15/26)