2023 Ridge Pagani Ranch Zinfandel

Enticing nose of strawberry, guava, fennel and orange zest. Flavors of briary blackberry, vanilla, toasty oak. Bright acidity with well-coated tannins and a long finish.

A late winter and cool spring set back the growing season, pushing bloom into June. The nineteenth-century zinfandel vines ripened by early October; the younger vines ten days later. The tannic petite sirah, red-fleshed alicante and savory mataro add an intriguing hint of rusticity. This elegant Pagani exemplifies the complexity that can be drawn from an old field blend. This complex wine will age beautifully over the next seven to eight years.