Ridge Pagani Ranch

The Pagani Ranch is one of the most characterful Zinfandel bottlings from Ridge — a single-vineyard cuvée that shows what old vines in the Sonoma Valley can achieve.

The Pagani Ranch is located in the cool Sonoma Valley, where afternoon fog ensures slow ripening and vibrant acidity. Ridge harvests in stages: first the younger Zinfandel, then the old vines, and finally Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouchet — a process that brings complexity to the wine that a single grape variety alone could not achieve. Ridge has stood for artisanal Zinfandel interpretation since the 1960s and is considered a reference point for this grape variety in Northern California.

In the glass, the Pagani Ranch shows dark blackberry and plum, underpinned by pepper, dried lavender, and a hint of tobacco. The Petite Sirah brings structure and depth, the Alicante Bouchet rich color and tannins. The finish is long, spicy, with the bright acidity typical of this appellation — not a flabby wine, but one with backbone.

• Food: Braised beef shoulder, leg of lamb with rosemary, aged cheddar
• Temperature: 17–18 °C