B-21 Top Recommendation Read More
"The 2021 reds I tasted for this report are all terrific and worth seeking out."
- Antonio Galloni, Vinous
These must-try 2021s from California's undisputed Zinfandel standard bearer once again land among the highest-rated expressions in the category. From an outstanding vintage, they boast glowing press across the board and will deliver the goods for any fan of this iconic estate.
Sourced from some of Sonoma's oldest vines planted in 1914, the 95-point 2021 Pagani Ranch is a “well balanced, elegant wine” with “light, toasty oak accents” according to the Wine Enthusiast, summed up as “a beacon for Sonoma County Zinfandel-based field blends” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous. Crafted as a blend of 65% Zinfandel from vines ranging up to 100 years of age, with Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Alicante Bouschet, the 2021 Three Valleys offers “a cornucopia of fruit in a classical blend” that always makes it one of Sonoma's great bargain propositions. From Ridge’s estate vineyard in the Dry Creek Valley planted with a field blend that includes centenarian Zinfandel vines, the "fabulous" 2021 Lytton Springs is “bright and vibrant to its core” according to Galloni's 95-point review. Rounding out this set of best buys, the JD95 East Bench is a "richly textured, incredibly impressive Zinfandel" that makes the most of the prodigious Sonoma vintage.
These undeniably charming 2021s more than live up to the estate’s legacy for over-delivering value, a well-earned reputation that California Zinfandel fans know promises some seriously pleasurable drinking ahead. |