92 2004 Ridge Pagani Ranch 1/1/09 ($30)
76% Zin, 16% Alicante Bouschet, 4% PS, 2% Carignane, 2% Mataro 14.0% alc
Color: Deep purple-garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Ripe Zinberry and cassis with briar and a touch of smoke, propelled by lively acidity. (3.0) Body: solid middleweight plus with excellent fruit and acidity and a silky mouthfeel. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but more giving. (3.5) Finish: Parallels flavor with elegance and 30 second length. (3.5)
Overall: Delicious, classy stuff. Could become more complex with 2-4 years more bottle age, but may be at its best right now. It shows old vines complexity (briar, game and spice) and is perfectly balanced. Drink this and the '05 (a less concentrated version of the '04) while waiting for '03 and '01 (both potentially great wines) to hit their stride. (16.0)