1994 Ridge Zinfandel Pagani Ranch

So what's new? Once again, winemaker Paul Draper has produced five beautifully made, rich, distinctive Zinfandels. The outstanding 1994 Zinfandel Pagani Ranch (75% Zinfandel, 18% Mataro, 4% Alicante, 3% Petite Sirah) is the most forceful Ridge Zinfandel as it achieved 14.7% natural alcohol. It is a rich, dense, full-bodied, sweet (from grape maturity, not sugar), jammy Zinfandel with gobs of ostentatiously-styled, in-your-face characteristics. This bold, flashy wine is sure to win many a blind tasting. I believe Paul Draper's decision to add a healthy dose of Mataro has given this wine more delineation and structure than it has possessed in past vintages. For that reason, it may evolve beyond 5-7 years, but my instincts suggest its greatest pleasures will be revealed over the next 5-6 years. As usual, this is another terrific line-up of Zinfandels from Ridge. NOTE: All the wines in this article were tasted in May, 1996. Tel. (408) 867-3233