2014 Ridge Vineyards, Zinfandel, Pagani Ranch, Sonoma Valley.
Since Ridge will be using some new plantings from the 2015 vintages going forward, the 2014 Ridge Pagani looks like the last 100% Old Vine Zinfandel, and what an amazing wine to finish off with, this is just gorgeous wine with 17% Alicante Bouschet and 3% Petite Sirah this Zin delivers a knock combination of hedonistic fruit and lovely detailed spiciness. This 2014 Pagani looks to go down as a classic with oodles of dark plum, black raspberry and tangy currant fruits along with distinct wild sage, framboise and kirsch, briar and a hint of sweet and cedary oak. Light floral tones, mineral and red pepper add to the mix in a lush, forward Zinfandel that at 14+ % Alcohol never feels over the top or heavy, while still pleasing all the senses, stunning now, it should age wonderfully, I’d love to taste this one again in 5, 10 and 15 years, I bet it will be fantastic at each stage, hats off the Ridge gang in putting such a great lineup out of 2014 Zin blends, these are some of my favorite ever, especially this Pagani and Lytton. I tasted this along side the 2013 Ridge Monte Bello, but rather than get lost behind such a majestic wine, it showed just how damn good this wine is, and that Zinfandel can create just as much magic in the glass! 2014 Ridge Pagani, a Zin to stock up on, drink from 2016 to 2026 at least!
($40 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
