Freddy R. Troya

9.7

Ridge Vineyards – Zinfandel – 2023
Benito Dusi Ranch – Paso Robles – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An extraordinary single-vineyard Zinfandel from one of the most historic and consistent sites in Paso Robles. The 2023 vintage delivers depth, purity, and that unmistakable Dusi Ranch character—old-vine concentration wrapped in Ridge’s signature balance and finesse. This bottling remains one of the benchmark Zinfandels in California.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry compote, ripe plum, and raspberry preserve with accents of warm spice, licorice, dried herbs, and a touch of cracked pepper. Subtle cocoa and cedar from restrained oak play in the background.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and richly textured, yet never heavy. Juicy acidity energizes the palate while fine, structured tannins keep everything focused. Long, plush, and satisfyingly powerful.

Food Pairings
BBQ ribs, grilled lamb chops, wood-fired pizza, smoky brisket, or aged Gouda.

Verdict
A stellar expression of old-vine Paso Robles Zinfandel, opulent, balanced, and deeply flavorful. A true standout in Ridge’s portfolio.

Did You Know?
The Dusi family has farmed this vineyard for generations, and Ridge has made wine from the site since 1967. These old vines consistently produce some of the most character-rich Zinfandel in the state, making Benito Dusi one of Ridge’s most iconic single-vineyard bottlings.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This sits at the very top of my favorite Zinfandels, extraordinary from start to finish, and a reminder of why Ridge continues to define the category. — 16 days ago

Anthony Auger

9.0

Watermelon — 8 months ago

Brad Merschman

9.2

Sight: light yellow
Smell: pineapple, vanilla
Taste: smooth, creamy, slightly buttery
Acidity: nah — 10 months ago

Jp

9.0

Would recommend this to anyone. — 12 days ago

"Odedi"

9.2

Deep purple in color with a short purple rim.

Full-bodied with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry and fruit forward on the palate with nice complexity.

Showing black fruits with light wood, spices, coffee, herbs, dark chocolates, light earth, tobacco and black pepper.

Nice finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This 7 year old Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles is drinking very nicely now. Elegant and easy drinking.

Rich and fruit forward. Complex, engaging and interesting.

Nicely balanced with a nice mouthfeel, and much better after 2 hours of airtime.

I had this vintage a few times before, and it is drinking better now. Drinking at its peak, and will continue to drink nicely in the next few years.

A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec and 10% Petit Verdot. Aged in French oak barrels for 16 months.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$55. — 5 months ago

Nick DiSanto

9.0

WRW 2-15-25 — 10 months ago

romo

9.1

Kind of correct, surprisingly. Super-drinkable at maturity. — a month ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.4

One of the best american Rieslings out there. The Riesling was planted in 2007. Kick On Ranch is just a few miles West of Los Alamos (CA) , getting close to the ocean and Vandenberg Air Force Base. 120 cases. 13.5%. Plenty of acidity, 🍯 , botyris? , fresh cut garden hose. Quite herbal. Oregano. Tatomer’s top of the line offer. He learned the trade in Austria 🇦🇹, Wachau region. This 2019 is very very good. Not Mosel just different - and perhaps quintessential Californian. — 7 months ago

Kevin Murphy

9.6

Very mellow cab. Should pair nicely with anything. — 9 months ago

Melissa Hunyadi

9.6

I’m getting citrus and fruity notes from this one. I am surprised I like this. It has a light body and is easy to drink. Yay — 2 years ago

with Kelsey