Pagani Ranch is one of the most historic vineyards in all of California. Planted between 1890 and 1914, these ancient vines stand alongside Highway 12 in Sonoma valley, just outside the town of Kenwood. As with many vineyards planted during that era, the blocks are field blends, with multiple varietals interplanted together. The vines are predominantly Zinfandel, but speckled with Petite Sirah, Mataro (Mourvèdre), and Alicante Bouschet. Ridge has been sourcing fruit from Pagani Ranch since the 1991 vintage and has become synonymous with this famed old-vine site. The 2023 vintage was close to perfection for heritage vineyards like Pagani. Healthy winter rainfall set the stage for an exceptional growing season that stretched well into the fall, with remarkably moderate temperatures and an absence of dramatic heat spikes or untimely rain events. The team at Ridge was able to harvest the fruit at ideal ripeness, preserving both vibrant acidity and remarkable flavor complexity. The wine was aged almost entirely in neutral oak, allowing the character and purity of the ancient-vine fruit to take center stage. As the staggering critical acclaim suggests, Ridge absolutely knocked it out of the park with this bottling. It’s a benchmark wine for the vintage and a vivid reminder of just how special California’s old-vine vineyards truly are. These historic sites are vinous treasures that deserve to be championed and preserved as an essential part of California’s wine story. Despite the historical significance of the vineyard, Ridge’s impeccable winemaking, and the enormous scores and acclaim surrounding this release, the wine remains a tremendous value. Our decades-long relationship with Ridge allows us consistent allocations at highly competitive pricing. This is a very special bottle from a truly great vintage - don’t miss it.