New Scores for Fall Releases
Zinfandel Chronicles
September 2023
Fall brings many new and exciting releases, and this year’s zinfandels are sure to please. We have delectable blends from all over Sonoma County: Dry Creek Valley, Chalk Hill, Russian River Valley, and more. Tom Lee of Zinfandel Chronicles recently shared his impressions of these ATP and Z List releases. Read on to find your new fall favorites from Ridge Vineyards!
2021 Pagani Ranch Zinfandel | 96 points
90% Zinfandel, 5% Petite Sirah, 5% Alicante Bouschet
“Brilliant nose of red fruits, baking spices and pepper. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Lush upfront fruits on a wine with notable power and concentration. Cherry, raspberry compote, strawberry and white pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Another in a long line of breathtaking Zins from the iconic Pagani Ranch. Best over the next 5-7 years.”
2021 Benito Dusi Zinfandel | 96 points
100% Zinfandel
“Sensational nose of red fruits, licorice and baking spices. Medium body with mouth watering acidity. Absolutely packed with bright, juicy fruits. Cherry, raspberry liqueur, boysenberry and pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Always one of my favorite wines in the Ridge Zinfandel portfolio. Best over the next 3-5 years.”
2021 Ponzo Zinfandel | 95 points
95% Zinfandel and 5% Petite Sirah
“Sublime nose of red fruits, peach and anise. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Lush, well balanced and bursting with bright, juicy fruits. Cherries, raspberry liqueur and pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. My kind of Zinfandel. This embodies everything I love about Russian River Valley Zins. Best over the next 3-4 years.”
2021 Lytton Springs | 94 points
72% Zinfandel, 15% Petite Sirah, 9% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 1% Cinsaut, 1% Counoise
“Heady nose of red and black fruits, licorice and flowers. Medium to full bodied with strong acidity. Power and concentration in spades. Blackberry, crushed raspberries and charred meat on the palate. The finish is long with prominent, gritty tannins. This will be a long lived Lytton Springs. Give this a few years in the cellar and drink over the next decade.”
2021 Rockpile | 94 points
73% Zinfandel, 23% Petite Sirah and 4% Alicante Bouschet.
“From Botticelli Vineyard which is situated at 1200 feet above Lake Sonoma in the Rockpile Appellation. Savory nose of red fruits, citrus and flowers. Medium body with mouth watering acidity. The concentration and power are notable. Well balanced. Black cherry, cranberry, pomegranate and earth on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Rest assured that this wine is built for the long haul. Best over the next 6-8 years.”
2021 Blasi Zinfandel | 93 points
97% Zinfandel and 3% Petite Sirah.
“From Metcalfe Vineyard in the Chalk Hill area of Sonoma County. The vines date back 120 years. Pretty nose of red fruits, citrus and earth. Medium body with perfect acidity. Claret style Zinfandel packed with tart fruits. Cherry, blood orange, earth and pepper on the palate. Really nice length on the finish. Delicious Zinfandel that should really appeal to those of you who yearn for Zinfandel that shows elegance and restraint. Best over next 5-7 years.”
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