Variety is the spice of life. Recently drank some big Spanish and Cali wines that were delicious. This certainly isn't as pedigreed, but was very enjoyable. Full-bodied, great on-the-dark side fruit, smooth, no sign of aging.
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The Paso Robles is, as always, 100% Zin. The Carlisle is a field blend from vines planted in 1927 that includes Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet and a host of others. Both wines sit prettily in the glass, but the Ridge Pagani is deeper and richer in every way: color, nose, attack and finish. The Carlisle is clearly the lighter wine, with cranberry and boysenberry. The Pagani has molasses, brown sugar, brambly Zin notes, coffee and a bit of mocha. Additionally, the Pagani has distinct black pepper notes. The Carlisle carries 14.4% alc. while the Pagani clocks in at 14.9% alc. Both wines are excellent examples of what they are, but they are different examples Neither of these bottles throw much sediment; just a shadow from the Pagani and nothing from the Carlisle. With grilled beef tri-tip (while PMB stops in for a an evening). 05.03.23. Recommended, but the Pagani is the clear winner.
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Dark garnet in color lightening towards the edge, but no signs of bricking. Dried cherries, raisins, mushrooms, forest floor, and cocoa powder on the nose. Cherries and pepper on the palate. Long, peppery finish. Always love Ridge!!
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The Paso Robles is, as always, 100% Zin, while the Pagani is 82% Zin, 16% Alicante Boushet, and 2% Petite Sirah. Both wines sit prettily in the glass with a clarity of deep burgundy for the Paso Robles and a deep purple for the Pagani. Both have notes of telltale rhubarb, blackberry, and mocha, but the Pagani is much more exact in its delivery. It also has distinct and youthful brown sugar and spice notes, particularly black pepper which kicks in just after the attack and punch through the long finish. The Paso Robles has nothing exacting about it: round and soft with maybe some rose notes. Gone are the “grip … [and] big tannins” from a few years back. The always conservative back labels suggest consuming the Paso Robles by 2018 and this year for the Pagani. The Paso Robles is still quite fine and holding its own, but I will likely begin drinking these up at this point. However, the Pagani can easily go another five years. The Paso Robles carries 14.4% alc. while the Pagani clocks in at 14.9% alc. Both are throwing sediment, but the Paso Robles threw more between these two bottles. With the first (beef) chili of the year. 02.05.22. Recommended, but the Pagani is the clear winner.
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At 10 years old, this Zin is one of the best I’ve ever had. Ridge is able to craft a balanced, elegant wine in an otherwise overwhelmingly jammy and spicy palate killers. Probably at its peak for another year. Enjoy!
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Very disappointed with this one. Pagani is normally one of our absolute favorites of all ridge bottles and this one did not hit that mark. It was both light and grassy at the same time. Perhaps it was our high expectations but we were sad this wasn’t great
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attribute proper storage for these years to this beauty standing up to it. plenty of fruit, solid backbone to this delicious Zin......easily has another few years .....with proper storage.
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Just small bites with it. I cannot make up my mind on whether i like it or it is bad. The color and fruit on the nose are great but on palate this is either "old" or just pur cherry juice that needs to integrate. It had great elements of purity. Maybeit should have piece of fatty steak which cuts it down or rounds it. This wil be interesting for winelovers dinner, just to see what everybody feels.
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The tannins have subsided and the fruit is excellent and concentrated. The 14.9% alcohol is well integrated. Terrific nose as well. One of the better zinfandels I have tasted in recent years! There is plenty of longevity on this zin. It drank young.
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Drinking great now. Big cherry and blackberry flavored, bolstered by well-aged tannins. Did not decant, but that might smooth it out even more. Will try that next time.
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Dark red-violet color. Strong musky raspberry nose, oak spice, vanilla, dill. On arrival, medium tannin and balanced acidity. Flavors echo the nose entirely, approaching perfection for me in zinfandel: dry not sweet, balanced alcohol, ripe not overripe, powerful and drinkable, not tiring. Wow. Bottle #2 of six.
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PnP at dinner. A little high and tight - should have decanted. Started to pick up speed at the end of dinner. Raisins, cherries, dark fruit nose. Palate has some earthiness and plum. Would be easier to taste if it wasnt so hot - crediting that to the lack of a decant.
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Love this wine. We don't usually have a day 2 sample but was lucky today to be able to claim the remaining glass. Even better than day 1. I'll make sure to give my last remaining bottle a long decant and really savor.
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Dark red-purple. Exquisitely pure black raspberry nose, a touch of American oak's vanilla, tobacco, coffee grounds. Medium tannin and balanced acidity on arrival. In the mouth, strongly ripe and not overripe fruit lead the way, with background notes of mixed herbs, toffee. Heady finish. Bottle #1 of six.
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Very good quality California Zinfandel with a deep purple color, the nose is very intense and showing good complexity of raspberry and strawberry, black cherry, liquorice and mint. The palate has a good acidity to provide the freshness to make it not jammy, the wine is in good balance so even with the high alcohol it does not feel warming. The fairly intense palate shows flavors of black cherry and plum, raspberry and cranberry, toast and mint. Having a fairly long finish, it is ready to drink now and not intend for further ageing.
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- Ruby color with medium forming legs and aromas of dusty and eucalyptus. It's balanced and has flavours of cherry, raisin and soy sauce with a medium body. Juicy texture with a medium finish - Decanted with menu decanter. Lively flavors and a delight to drink. Lovely pour.
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Dark red, berry and cherry nose and generates a fruity but well balanced taste. Tannins and acid work well. Seemed young, think will be better in 2-4 years
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Smoky, woody spice on the nose. Suave, seductive blend of spice and jammy red fruit flavors with a velvety texture and enough acidity and tannic grip to keep it from being a fruit bomb. Very nice effort.
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50th Harvest Anniversary Celebration at Ridge (Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello): Dark garnet color with aromatic kirsch, brown sugar, and slight smoke aromas. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, fruity - yet balanced with black cherry, raspberry, and spice flavors. Long finish. 82% Zinfandel, 16% Alicanted Bouschet, 2% Petite Sirah
www.enofylzwineblog.com
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8/29/2023 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Time in the bottle has been good.
Smooth complex fruit, great finish.
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8/13/2023 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Variety is the spice of life.
Recently drank some big Spanish and Cali wines that were delicious. This certainly isn't as pedigreed, but was very enjoyable. Full-bodied, great on-the-dark side fruit, smooth, no sign of aging.
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5/3/2023 - timewithwine Likes this wine:
The Paso Robles is, as always, 100% Zin. The Carlisle is a field blend from vines planted in 1927 that includes Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet and a host of others. Both wines sit prettily in the glass, but the Ridge Pagani is deeper and richer in every way: color, nose, attack and finish. The Carlisle is clearly the lighter wine, with cranberry and boysenberry. The Pagani has molasses, brown sugar, brambly Zin notes, coffee and a bit of mocha. Additionally, the Pagani has distinct black pepper notes. The Carlisle carries 14.4% alc. while the Pagani clocks in at 14.9% alc. Both wines are excellent examples of what they are, but they are different examples Neither of these bottles throw much sediment; just a shadow from the Pagani and nothing from the Carlisle. With grilled beef tri-tip (while PMB stops in for a an evening). 05.03.23. Recommended, but the Pagani is the clear winner.
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12/9/2022 - Stephen Rash Likes this wine:
Dark garnet in color lightening towards the edge, but no signs of bricking. Dried cherries, raisins, mushrooms, forest floor, and cocoa powder on the nose. Cherries and pepper on the palate. Long, peppery finish. Always love Ridge!!
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2/5/2022 - timewithwine Likes this wine:
The Paso Robles is, as always, 100% Zin, while the Pagani is 82% Zin, 16% Alicante Boushet, and 2% Petite Sirah. Both wines sit prettily in the glass with a clarity of deep burgundy for the Paso Robles and a deep purple for the Pagani. Both have notes of telltale rhubarb, blackberry, and mocha, but the Pagani is much more exact in its delivery. It also has distinct and youthful brown sugar and spice notes, particularly black pepper which kicks in just after the attack and punch through the long finish. The Paso Robles has nothing exacting about it: round and soft with maybe some rose notes. Gone are the “grip … [and] big tannins” from a few years back. The always conservative back labels suggest consuming the Paso Robles by 2018 and this year for the Pagani. The Paso Robles is still quite fine and holding its own, but I will likely begin drinking these up at this point. However, the Pagani can easily go another five years. The Paso Robles carries 14.4% alc. while the Pagani clocks in at 14.9% alc. Both are throwing sediment, but the Paso Robles threw more between these two bottles. With the first (beef) chili of the year. 02.05.22. Recommended, but the Pagani is the clear winner.
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5/19/2021 - Bakerbd Likes this wine: 92 Points
Blackberry, bramble, complex, med + acid
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12/25/2020 - st.rainer Likes this wine: 94 Points
At 10 years old, this Zin is one of the best I’ve ever had. Ridge is able to craft a balanced, elegant wine in an otherwise overwhelmingly jammy and spicy palate killers. Probably at its peak for another year. Enjoy!
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12/23/2020 - aaronmphoto wrote: 83 Points
Very disappointed with this one. Pagani is normally one of our absolute favorites of all ridge bottles and this one did not hit that mark. It was both light and grassy at the same time. Perhaps it was our high expectations but we were sad this wasn’t great
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4/22/2020 - Cadby Likes this wine: 94 Points
Morgan Freeman, Zins Elderstatesman! Class, style, well-spoken, enviable
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12/16/2019 - Alro Likes this wine: 92 Points
attribute proper storage for these years to this beauty standing up to it. plenty of fruit, solid backbone to this delicious Zin......easily has another few years .....with proper storage.
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11/26/2019 - Alro Likes this wine: 93 Points
Another stunning creation from Ridge. Just WOW..... beautiful mouthfeel, dark plum, black cherry, excellent fruit. Drinking beautifully!
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4/4/2017 - MichielV wrote: 89 Points
Just small bites with it. I cannot make up my mind on whether i like it or it is bad. The color and fruit on the nose are great but on palate this is either "old" or just pur cherry juice that needs to integrate. It had great elements of purity. Maybeit should have piece of fatty steak which cuts it down or rounds it. This wil be interesting for winelovers dinner, just to see what everybody feels.
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12/26/2016 - gjv115 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Pnp. Bright, Fruity, beautiful wine. Good depth. The table would have scored higher. Everyone loved it. Best Pagani in a while.
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12/26/2016 - unc0rked Likes this wine: 94 Points
The tannins have subsided and the fruit is excellent and concentrated. The 14.9% alcohol is well integrated. Terrific nose as well. One of the better zinfandels I have tasted in recent years! There is plenty of longevity on this zin. It drank young.
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11/8/2016 - DoberdadinMD Likes this wine: 92 Points
M: Nose - vanilla, strong acetone; Taste - cherry
S: Nose - Strawberry, mineral; Taste - light rubber, berry, light spice
Boar's Head Salami/Mozzarella - OK
Havarti - OK
Blue Cheese - complements/very good
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1/16/2016 - typ993 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drinking great now. Big cherry and blackberry flavored, bolstered by well-aged tannins. Did not decant, but that might smooth it out even more. Will try that next time.
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11/5/2014 - 1997cobalt wrote: 92 Points
Coming into its own. Full bodied with strong dark fruit, yet more mellow than in past. Really enjoyed.
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10/13/2014 - Hodby wrote: 94 Points
Dark red-violet color. Strong musky raspberry nose, oak spice, vanilla, dill. On arrival, medium tannin and balanced acidity. Flavors echo the nose entirely, approaching perfection for me in zinfandel: dry not sweet, balanced alcohol, ripe not overripe, powerful and drinkable, not tiring. Wow. Bottle #2 of six.
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9/20/2014 - DoberdadinMD wrote:
Anniversary 2014
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10/11/2013 - pghilard wrote: 88 Points
PnP at dinner. A little high and tight - should have decanted. Started to pick up speed at the end of dinner. Raisins, cherries, dark fruit nose. Palate has some earthiness and plum. Would be easier to taste if it wasnt so hot - crediting that to the lack of a decant.
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9/3/2013 - Loudounwine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Love this wine. We don't usually have a day 2 sample but was lucky today to be able to claim the remaining glass. Even better than day 1. I'll make sure to give my last remaining bottle a long decant and really savor.
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8/21/2013 - Hodby wrote: 92 Points
Dark red-purple. Exquisitely pure black raspberry nose, a touch of American oak's vanilla, tobacco, coffee grounds. Medium tannin and balanced acidity on arrival. In the mouth, strongly ripe and not overripe fruit lead the way, with background notes of mixed herbs, toffee. Heady finish. Bottle #1 of six.
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3/24/2013 - Silveradoup wrote: 95 Points
As this ages it just keeps getting better and better. Such a great old vine Zinfandel, love it!
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2/23/2013 - peterchoy wrote: 91 Points
Very good quality California Zinfandel with a deep purple color, the nose is very intense and showing good complexity of raspberry and strawberry, black cherry, liquorice and mint. The palate has a good acidity to provide the freshness to make it not jammy, the wine is in good balance so even with the high alcohol it does not feel warming. The fairly intense palate shows flavors of black cherry and plum, raspberry and cranberry, toast and mint. Having a fairly long finish, it is ready to drink now and not intend for further ageing.
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2/23/2013 - Jmanz2000 wrote: 93 Points
- Ruby color with medium forming legs and aromas of dusty and eucalyptus. It's balanced and has flavours of cherry, raisin and soy sauce with a medium body. Juicy texture with a medium finish - Decanted with menu decanter. Lively flavors and a delight to drink. Lovely pour.
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1/25/2013 - adias Likes this wine: 88 Points
balanced, enjoyable. Not a negative but for the money I personally just like the Lytton Springs more.
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12/8/2012 - Silveradoup wrote: 95 Points
Soooooo amazing
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11/25/2012 - 1997cobalt wrote: 89 Points
Dark red, berry and cherry nose and generates a fruity but well balanced taste. Tannins and acid work well. Seemed young, think will be better in 2-4 years
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11/23/2012 - gjv115 wrote:
excellent. Decanted 4 hours . Bright fruit, balanced. Drinkable now but will get better.
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10/27/2012 - Win-E Likes this wine: 93 Points
On the nose: Ripe plums, black currant, black cherries, jammy, apples, cherry blossom, jasmin, slightly smoky with boisenberry.
On the Palate: Complex and dense, black cherries, plums, delicate in front, mid notes of acidity. Ruby, black magic opaque. Excellent wine, loved it!
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9/1/2012 - kosinski wrote:
Smoky, woody spice on the nose. Suave, seductive blend of spice and jammy red fruit flavors with a velvety texture and enough acidity and tannic grip to keep it from being a fruit bomb. Very nice effort.
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9/1/2012 - Martin Redmond Likes this wine: 91 Points
50th Harvest Anniversary Celebration at Ridge (Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello): Dark garnet color with aromatic kirsch, brown sugar, and slight smoke aromas. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, fruity - yet balanced with black cherry, raspberry, and spice flavors. Long finish. 82% Zinfandel, 16% Alicanted Bouschet, 2% Petite Sirah
www.enofylzwineblog.com
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