Ridge Vineyards Pagani Ranch Zinfandel 2023

Region and Vineyards

Pagani Ranch lies on the western side of Sonoma Valley, in Sonoma County, at an elevation of 30 to 45 meters. The soils here are gravelly clay loams, lending both structure and freshness to the wines. The site is particularly cool for the variety, often the last to be harvested, though in 2022, early ripening led to picking between 13 and 17 September.

The vineyard itself is a living monument: thirty acres were planted between 1896 and 1922, primarily to Zinfandel interplanted with petite sirah, carignane, and alicante bouschet. Six acres were replanted in 2013 with zinfandel and petite sirah. These head-trained vines, with yields averaging 3 tons per acre, produce grapes of remarkable concentration and complexity. The younger vines contribute fruit-driven vibrancy, while the venerable old vines offer depth, texture, and distinctive spice.

Winemaking

The 2022 vintage is a field blend of 82% Zinfandel, 9% Alicante Bouschet, 5% Petite Sirah, and 4% Mataro (Mourvèdre). Grapes were hand-harvested, destemmed, and crushed before undergoing natural primary and malolactic fermentations, with pump-overs of a floating cap.

Aged for 14 months in 100% air-dried American oak barrels, the wine saw 15% new oak, with the balance divided among one-to-three-year-old and neutral barrels. This careful regime ensures structure without overshadowing fruit expression. Bottled in February 2024, the wine carries 14.4% alcohol, a pH of 3.51, and a total acidity of 7.65 g/L, highlighting Ridge's philosophy of minimal intervention and terroir-driven authenticity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with youthful purple reflections.
• Aroma: Expressive nose of blackberry compote, black cherry, and wild plum, supported by hints of star anise, violets, and cocoa, with a subtle oak-derived vanilla lift.
• Palate: Concentrated and layered, showing ripe bramble fruit, mulberry, and licorice, framed by firm yet polished tannins. A vibrant acidity drives freshness, while savory undertones of spice and earth add complexity. The finish is long, balanced, and elegantly structured.

Did you know?

The Pagani family has farmed this vineyard for four generations, preserving vines that survived both Prohibition and the Depression—periods during which most vineyards were abandoned. Its survival testifies to the exceptional quality of this site and the family's commitment to its heritage.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic: the wine's spice and acidity cut through the richness of the meat.
• Slow-cooked beef short ribs: the depth and tannic backbone harmonize with the dish's savory intensity.
• Wild mushroom risotto: earthy flavors complement the wine's dark fruit and subtle herbal notes.
• Aged Manchego cheese: the nutty, firm character enhances the wine's structure and lingering finish.

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​​.