The 2022 Ridge Pagani Ranch Zinfandel is history in a glass. One of the oldest plantings of Zinfandel in Sonoma County, Pagani Ranch delivers old-vine flavors that excite and mesmerize the palate.
A blend of 82% Zinfandel, 9% Alicante Bouschet, 5% Petite Sirah, and 4% Mataro, this is a wine that all the critics loved, and I totally understand why.
Pagani Ranch was planted 120 years ago -- thankfully, it survived Prohibition. Many growers ripped up their vines, but this well-positioned vineyard in the Sonoma Valley didn't go to the chopping block. Pagani Ranch is a cool site, and it is always one of the last vineyards to be harvested. It's long, cool ripening results in a wine with fine, detailed, and nuanced aromas and flavors.
Rated 94 by the Wine Advocate, 94 by Decanter, 94 by Wine Enthusiast, 93 by Wine Spectator and Vinous, the critics unanimously agreed that this was a very successful vintage of Pagani. Ripe, rich, exotic, and spicy, the reviews were crazy for this one, but the one most in-line with what I tasted came from Antonio Galloni of Vinous Media:
"The 2022 Zinfandel Pagani Ranch smells like the freshest orange juice imaginable. Dump that orange juice on a pile of smashed blueberries and pulverized rocks, then crush some rosemary in your palm over the top of the whole ordeal, and you’ll get an idea of the uniquely Pagani expression here. The old vines convey so much depth and seriousness."
You can see what the other critics had to say by clicking HERE.
When I tasted this with my sales rep last week, I was reminded that Ridge makes Zins like no other. Their Pagani Ranch is a testament to that statement, and I'm blown away at their ability to achieve such a perfect balance of ripeness and opulence contrasted with rich tannin and mouthwatering acidity. Bravo!
I've always thought Pagani was Ridge's crown jewel Zinfandel bottling, and the '22 is in exceptional form.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
