Ridge Vineyards Pagani Ranch Zinfandel 2021

Region and Vineyards

Pagani Ranch is located on the western edge of Sonoma Valley in Sonoma County, at an elevation between 30 and 45 meters above sea level. The vineyard is often shrouded in fog well into the afternoon, which tempers the region's natural warmth and contributes to a long, slow growing season. This cool microclimate allows grapes to retain freshness and develop nuanced aromas while building depth and structure.

The vineyard's soils are composed of gravelly clay loam, offering excellent drainage and moderate fertility. Originally planted between 1896 and 1922, the site includes interplanted blocks of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet, and Carignan—traditional companions in California field blends. Six additional acres were replanted with Zinfandel and Petite Sirah in 2013. Vines are head-trained and dry-farmed, yielding a naturally low crop of approximately 3.2 tons per acre, which intensifies flavor and texture. The vineyard has been stewarded by the same family for four generations, a testament to both the site's quality and enduring legacy.

Winemaking

The 2021 vintage was marked by low rainfall and warm conditions, which stressed the vines and led to a smaller crop with concentrated fruit. Grapes were hand-harvested between October 7th and 16th, with younger Zinfandel blocks picked first, followed by the old vines and companion varieties. The fruit was destemmed and crushed, then fermented using only native yeasts. Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally, adding roundness and complexity.

The wine was aged for 14 months in 100% air-dried American oak barrels, with only 3% new wood to avoid dominating the wine's character. Ridge's minimalist approach includes the use of minimal sulfur and no fining, with gentle filtration at bottling. The final blend is 90% Zinfandel, 5% Petite Sirah, and 5% Alicante Bouschet, capturing the full field-blend expression typical of the vineyard's heritage.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with violet edges, clear and vibrant.
• Aroma: Aromatically generous with ripe blackberry, raspberry compote, and red plum, accented by black pepper, licorice, and hints of vanilla and sweet tobacco.
• Palate: Energetic and layered, offering a medley of dark fruits, cherry liqueur, and baking spices. The acidity is bright and lively, balanced by a supple mid-palate and well-integrated tannins. The finish is long and mouth-coating, with lingering notes of cocoa and dried herbs.

Did you know?

Pagani Ranch has been producing Zinfandel for over a century and survived both Prohibition and the Great Depression—remarkable feats that underscore the vineyard's exceptional quality. Ridge Vineyards first vinified grapes from this site in 1991, and it has since become one of their flagship single-vineyard expressions. The vines are some of the oldest still in production in Sonoma Valley, and their resilience continues to shape the character of this storied wine.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary: The wine's spice and structure complement the rich, herbal profile of the dish.
• Barbecue ribs with sweet and smoky sauce: A classic pairing for Zinfandel's bold fruit and vibrant acidity.
• Wild mushroom ragù over polenta: Earthy and savory components highlight the wine's subtle depth.
• Aged Manchego or Dry Jack cheese: Nutty and firm cheeses enhance the wine's texture and red-fruit profile.

History of Ridge Vineyards

The history of Ridge Vineyards begins in 1885 when Osea Perrone, a doctor and prominent member of San Francisco's Italian community, purchased 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello Ridge. He terraced the slopes and planted vineyards, constructing the Monte Bello Winery using native limestone and producing the first vintage under that name in 1892.

In the 1940s, theologian William Short bought the abandoned winery and vineyard, replanting several parcels to Cabernet Sauvignon. In the early 1960s, new owners Dave Bennion and his three partners, all Stanford Research Institute engineers, made a quarter-barrel of estate Cabernet from these vines. The quality and distinctive character of the wines produced convinced them to re-bond the winery in time for the 1962 vintage.

The first Zinfandel was made in 1964 from a small nineteenth-century vineyard farther down the ridge, followed in 1966 by the first Geyserville Zinfandel. The founding families expanded the Monte Bello terraces and increased vineyard size, working weekends to make wines of regional character and unprecedented intensity. In 1969, Paul Draper joined the partnership, bringing his practical winemaking skills and traditional knowledge to Ridge. Under his guidance, the winery's quality and international reputation were firmly established​​.

Region and Vineyards

Ridge Vineyards encompasses several notable vineyard sites, each contributing uniquely to the winery's portfolio:

• Monte Bello Vineyard: Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this historic vineyard includes vines replanted in the 1940s and is known for its complex and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons. The Monte Bello estate is situated at an altitude of approximately 800 meters, where the cool climate and rocky limestone soils create ideal conditions for producing wines with exceptional structure and longevity. The vineyard’s steep slopes and diverse microclimates allow for meticulous site selection and blending, resulting in wines that reflect the nuanced character of the region.

  

• Geyserville Vineyard: Situated in Alexander Valley, this site has produced wines since 1966, celebrated for their distinctive blend of Zinfandel, Carignane, and Petite Sirah. The Geyserville vineyard benefits from a warm climate and gravelly loam soils, which contribute to the robust fruit flavors and structured tannins of the wines. The old vines, some over 130 years old, are head-trained and dry-farmed, practices that promote deep root systems and concentrated fruit.

• Lytton Springs Vineyard: Acquired in 1991, this vineyard in Sonoma County produces exceptional Zinfandel-based wines from old vines dating back to 1902. Located in the Dry Creek Valley, the Lytton Springs vineyard features gravelly clay loam soils and a climate that balances warm days with cool nights, enhancing the aromatic complexity and balance of the wines. The vineyard is managed with sustainable practices, including organic farming and the use of cover crops to maintain soil health and biodiversity.

  

Organic and Sustainable Farming

Ridge Vineyards is deeply committed to organic and sustainable farming practices, ensuring that their vineyards not only produce high-quality grapes but also promote environmental health. The vineyards are farmed sustainably, with a strong commitment to organic certification. Ridge uses cover crops, integrated pest management, mechanical weed removal, and composted grape pomace instead of pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers.

These practices help maintain soil health, promote biodiversity, and reduce the winery's environmental footprint. Ridge Vineyards was one of the first wineries in California to pursue organic certification, reflecting its leadership in sustainable viticulture. The winery also engages in minimal intervention winemaking, preserving the natural characteristics of the grapes and their terroir​​.

Wine Range

Ridge Vineyards produces a range of wines that reflect their commitment to terroir and traditional winemaking methods:

• Ridge Monte Bello: Their flagship wine, a Bordeaux-style blend known for its complexity and aging potential.
• Ridge Geyserville: A field blend predominantly featuring Zinfandel, offering rich fruit flavors and structured tannins.
• Ridge Lytton Springs: Another Zinfandel-based blend that highlights the unique characteristics of the vineyard's old vines.
• Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: Produced from Monte Bello's more approachable parcels, showcasing the vineyard's character in a style that matures earlier than Monte Bello.
• Ridge Chardonnay: Produced in limited quantities, reflecting the winery's capability to craft white wines with finesse and depth.

Did you know?

Ridge Vineyards employs what they call "pre-industrial" winemaking techniques, a term they prefer over "natural winemaking." This approach involves minimal intervention, fermenting with native yeasts, avoiding commercial enzymes, and allowing malolactic fermentation to occur naturally. This method preserves the unique character of each vineyard, producing wines that are true expressions of their terroir​​.