2021 Pagani Ranch Zinfandel

Nose of jammy blueberry, red cherry and pepper. Lively acidity and structure give this wine a full mouthfeel with notes of raspberry, mineral and dark chocolate with a lingering finish. SR (11/22)

Given the cool micro-climate of Sonoma Valley, Pagani Ranch often sits under fog into the early afternoon. Harvested between October 7th and 16th, the young zinfandel was ready first, followed by the old-vine zinfandel, petite sirah and alicante bouschet. Typical of the appellation, bright acidity and plentiful fruit are benchmarks of this exuberant wine. This excellent zinfandel will be best over the next eight years. SR (12/22)

Since 1991, Ridge has made zinfandel from the Pagani vineyard on the western side of Sonoma Valley. The majority of the vineyard was planted ninety to one hundred twenty years ago; portions of it were replanted between 2013—2018. The vineyard is meticulously tended by a quality-conscious family who has worked the land for four generations. An average site would have been abandoned during the thirteen years of Prohibition, or during the Depression. Its long survival is proof of its merit.

Rainfall: 14 inches (below normal)
Bloom: Early May
Weather: A dry winter and spring stressed the vines, limiting yields and concentrating flavors.

Harvest Dates: 7 – 16 October
Grapes: Average Brix 24.9˚
TA: 6.27 g/L
pH: 3.42
Fermentation: Grapes destemmed and crushed. Natural primary and natural secondary (malolactic) fermentations; pumped over a floating cap.
Barrels: 100% air-dried American oak barrels (3% new, 10% one year old, 20% two years old, 50% three years old, and 17% neutral oak).
Aging: Fourteen months in barrel

Pagani Ranch grapes; hand-harvested; destemmed and crushed; fermented on the native yeasts, followed by full malolactic on the naturally occurring bacteria; oak from barrel aging; minimum effective sulfur for this wine (35 ppm at crush, 66.5 ppm over the course of aging); pad filtered at bottling. In keeping with our philosophy of minimal intervention, this is the sum of our actions.

Zinfandel Chronicles: 96 Points “Bright crimson in color. 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.” -Tom Lee (September 2023)

See all food pairing recipes we have created specifically for this wine.