93 2007 Ridge Pagani Ranch Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley) 3/4/18 ($32)
92% Zinfandel, 5% Alicante Bouschet, 3% Petite Sirah 14.3% alc
Color: Deep garnet with very slight browning and no clearing. (3.0) Bouquet: Boysenberries, blueberries, black raspberries and strawberries, that is "Zinberries" complemented by old vines mustiness and subtle briar and herbs. (3.5) Body: Light heavyweight with outstanding fruit and excellent acidity. Silky, tangy mouthfeel. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet with lively, elegant fruit. (3.5) Finish: Long and tasty, but not quite as expressive as flavor. (3.0)
Overall: This was always an outstanding Pagani Ranch, but was youthfully fierce with a little heat until about 8 years old. It is finally totally ready to drink. Shows multi-layered, disitnctive Zinberry fruit with subtle complexities of musty old-vines, briar and spices. Very consistent throughout, but the finish does lose just a little intensity compared to the flavor. A joy to drink now and in the next year or two. (16.5)
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