2021 Ridge "Pagani Ranch" Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley, California, USA

ABOUT THIS WINE

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. Aged 14 months in 100% air-dried American oak barrels (3% new, 10% one year old, 20% two years old, 50% three years old, and 17% neutral oak).

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

In 1962, Ridge made its first Monte Bello, and two years later its first zinfandel. Since that time, Ridge has championed single-vineyard winemaking, searching California for those rare and exceptional vineyards where climate, soil, and variety are ideally matched.

Ridge calls their approach to winemaking “pre-industrial.” They believe that for anyone attempting to make fine wine, modern additives and industrial processing limit true quality. Relying on the natural yeast, they let the terroir define the wine and make their winemaking decisions based upon taste, not a recipe. They believe in transparency and as a result, they include a list of ingredients on every wine they make. They are committed to sustainability and organic farming and are the largest grower of organically certified grapes in Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation.