Ridge Pagani Ranch Zinfandel 2004

Since 1991, Ridge has made Zinfandel from the old Pagani vineyard on the east-facing side of Sonoma Valley. Almost all the vines here were planted more than a hundred years ago. Pagani Ranch is a fine example of what we look for in a vineyard: low yielding old vines, carefully tended by a quality-conscious family who, in this case, have worked the land for four generations. The vineyard's long survival is proof of its merit. An average site would have been abandoned during the thirteen years of Prohibition, or during the Depression.

"16% Alicante Bouschet; 4% Petite Sirah; 4% Other. This wine often reaches exaggerated levels of ripeness and dried grape concentration, but, in the current vintage, it has displays admirable depth and far-ranging fruit without resort to excess. To be sure, it is wholly concentrated and shows an emphasis on blackberry fruit but in no way does it approach the 2003 which, despite earning 90 points, was described as "out in front of the pack when it comes to sheer volume and unbridled ripeness". Indeed, there is even a touch of latter palate restraint and tightness to be found in this rendition. This is stunning stuff built along the lines of table wine Zinfandel. Bravo."
-Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine