Pagani Ranch Sonoma Valley Zinfandel Blend

$10 in the closeout bin? Yes

History begins in 1885, when Osea Perrone, a doctor in San Francisco's Italian community, bought 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Blend of 84% Zinfandel, 9% Alicante Bouschet, 7% Petite, aromas of jammy red/black fruits and loads of complex spice. The palate shows flavors of sweet plum and cherry with pepper, smoke, tobacco and herbs. Fine tannins on the grainy side, well balanced long ending with earthy oak.

Previous notes apply. What a great wine!

My, my! I buy this wine every year… this just might be the best I’ve tasted. Dark, midnight inky purple. Whiff of new wood with ripe juicy blackberry… viscous, oily, weighted mouth-feel. Sweet, balanced, mouthwatering with an intensity that brings a huge idiotic grin to my face that has lingered long after the wine was gone. Way, way too young… but one of the huge reasons I adore American Zinfandel is that you can drink it anytime. Marvelous bargain!

Up front this is my favorite vineyard from Ridge for Zinfandel. Wonderful rush of mixed dark berry fruits and it gets better with a good decant. Medium full body and solid tannins that will allow for good cellar life. Pagani is the leader in the Ridge line of vineyard designated Zinfandel. Stellar wine and producer. 🍷🍷🍷

Really tasty per usual for Ridge. Good density. Brighter than expected! Plenty of acid. Still wound tight needs lots of air or a few more years in the cellar. Pair with T-bone steak 🥩

Deep ruby color. Aromas of blue and black fruit, licorice, dried stone fruit and herbs. Superb Zin! Boysenberry, white pepper and raspberry liquor.

🥇 95 Points - Jeff Dunnuck
🥇 95 Points - @Dr. Owen Bargreen (2019 vintage)

Could have been classic if it were not for too much oak coming through.

Nice Zin spice - bright acidity.

I still think this needs more time in the bottle but still found this very enjoyable to drink over the course of the day. Lots of blackberry, baking spice, white pepper, and herbs.