Zinfandel of the Month is a regular feature on Zinfandel Chronicles. Keep in mind that although the Zinfandel of the Month might be an older bottle, the current vintage will be one you can find at retail or via the mailing list.
The June Zinfandel of the Month is the 2023 Ridge Vineyards Norma’s Block Pagani Ranch.
I chose this wine as my Zinfandel of the Month as the 2022 was one of my favorites Zins last year and I really wanted to call out this current vintage while the wine is still available.
Ridge Vineyards was founded in 1959 when three Stanford Research Institute engineers bought an abandoned winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The vineyards had been planted in the late 19th century by a San Francisco physician who produced his first vintage in the original winery, called Monte Bello, in 1892. The first Ridge vintage was in 1962. John Olney is Head Winemaker at Ridge. Shauna Rosenblum was recently named the Winemaker at Ridge Lytton Springs.
Pagani Ranch is just off Highway 12 in the Glen Ellen area of Sonoma County. Angela and Felice Pagani came to Sonoma County from Italy, purchased the property and planted the vineyard in the early 1900’s. Norma (Pagani) Amantite still lives in the old farmhouse amidst the vines and her son Dino tends to the vineyard. Norma’s Block is assembled from the oldest and most prestigious blocks of Pagani Ranch.
Purple in color. 14% ABV. 72% Zinfandel, 14% Alicante Bouschet, 10% Petite Sirah, 2% Grand Noir and 2% Lenoir. Sublime nose of red and black fruits, anise, plums and pepper. Full bodied with mouth watering acidity and exceptional balance. Packed with dark, juicy fruits. Black cherry, raspberry compote, wild strawberry and pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Compelling Zinfandel that is all about elegance, finesse and restraint. Best over the next 5-7 years. $42 at the winery.
My rating: 95 points.
Review based on a sample provided by the winery.
Ridge has been defined by their Zin program for as long as I can remember and in recent years these wines have soared to new heights.
The entire Ridge lineup is available at the winery and for the most part at retail as well. Exceptional wines that are fairly priced, well crafted and easy to find. Everyone is always looking for the latest and greatest when it comes to wine. Sometimes it pays to stick with the tried and true. There is so much to like here.