92+ 2015 Ridge Pagani Ranch Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley) 3/31/18 ($34)
83% Zinfandel, 10% Alicante Bouschet, 7% Petite Sirah 15.0% alc
Color: Very deep garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Pretty, ripe black cherry, black plum and fresh fig with quite a bit of mocha oak meeting the fruit. Some white chalk, clove and other herbs in the mix. (3.5) Body: Light heavyweight with excellent fruit, acidity and subtle tannins underneath. Silky, tangy mouthfeel. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet with fruit being even more expressive and delicious. (3.5) Finish: Long, tangy and tasty. Just a touch of bitterness from oak. (3.0)
Overall: The black fruit is ripe with significant mocha oak overtones. I think I'd like it even better if it were a little less ripe with a little less oak, but it has the acidity and smooth tannins to keep it balanced. Not at all heavy, showing some elegance, despite its weight and alcohol content. The fruit was a bit closed on day 1, but really opened on day 2 (drunk over a 24 hr period). Bigger and more ageworthy than the 2014. This can be drunk now with a long decant, but will reward 4-6 years bottle age. (16.0)
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