93 2007 Ridge Pagani Ranch Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley) 5/4/14 ($32)
92% Zinfandel, 5% Alicante Bouschet, 3% Petite Sirah 14.3% alc
Color: Deep blood garnet. Still has a touch of purple. (3.0) Bouquet: Spicy briar and cedary mocha complement big Zinberry fruit. Shows a touch of heat. (3.0) Body: Heavyweight with outstanding fruit and fierce acidity with smooth tannins. Rich, silky/tangy mouthfeel, which coats beautifully. (3.5) Flavor: Zinberry explodes in your mouth. Spice and oak more in the background here. (3.5) Finish: Mouth-puckering, laser-focused Zinberry, lively acidity and old vines complexity have great length. Shows elegance for its size. (3.5)
Overall: An outstanding Pagani that has softened a little since its release, but still needs 2-4 years for the slight heat and mocha oak to integrate totally. This is a big vintage with loads of fruit and acidity that should allow it to continue to develop successfully. (16.5)
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