2016 Carlisle Alicante Bouschet

Coming from a great site in Sonoma Valley, the 2016 Alicante Bouschet Pagani Ranch is 100% Alicante Bouschet, from vines planted in 1920, and was brought up in 25% new French oak. Looking like pen ink in the glass, it offers primordial notes of liquid blackberries, blueberries, spring flowers, mint, and citrus blossom. The palate is certainly more elegant and civilized than the nose would have you believe, and a core of racy acidity keeps everything fresh and lively. This puppy is unformed and crazy young, so hide bottles of a good 4-5 years. 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!