Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of dinner. The 2021 pours a deep garnet color with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of black cherry, espresso, black tea, dried herbs and gentle warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. Drink now with patience but, to my palate, I think this will be better with a few more years in the cellar so the oak can better integrate. This is built to last well past 2041. — 5 months ago

Juicy and with a touch of sweetness. This was very pleasant and paired well with cheese. — 6 months ago
Medium ruby in color; black cherries, plums, and cedar on the nose; medium plus acidity; medium tannins, but smooth; tastes like blackberries, cherries, and a hint of bell pepper witha long finish. Not as complex as I would like, but pretty good. — 3 years ago
yes, this is a photo of a computer image. tasted as part of a Mourvèdre wine group tasting via zoom, wines portioned into woozies. 2018v. super aromatic, raspberry/cranberry juice, fresh leather, violet. palate texture is silky, light but complex and flavorful, acid medium +, long tannins- just a bit of grip. fantastic — 5 years ago
Rich, thick, smooth, just yummy!!! A smoky essence that was surprising. Had it with grilled chicken and tomatillo salsa. Divine. would be awesome with a steak or lamb. 8/10/18 — 8 years ago
This wine is excellente! Deep silky dark fruit. This is a great sipping wine, yet it will sing with a thick steak or juicy grilled pork chop. This is a 2007, so good luck finding one. — 10 years ago
A very nice experience drinking this. Might have been a touch better 5-10 years ago around the 15-20 year mark (and was great around ‘08-‘12) but despite a disintegrated cork is still a very nice wine with a beef dish. Have one more of the ‘01 and will have to open it within the next year. — 4 months ago
Bought at Pine Orchard 11/25 $70 after tasting at Ridge in 10/25. Less expensive here. The 2023 is rated at 100 pts. Absolutely delicious. Floral aromas, lightly crisp, subtle oak, smooth finish. — 5 months ago
Excellent cab! Always great from Ridge, this one is full bodied, nicely aged (still has room to age more, but wonderful right now!, wish i had a couple more) — 5 months ago
Cedar, fruit in the background, coconut?. Mature and delicious — 6 months ago
Splash decanted directly before service; enjoyed over the course of a few hours out of red Solo cups. The 1981 Gran Reserva Blanco pours, a golden color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of Khalas dates, dried apricot, black lemon, almonds, toasted coconut and marshmallow. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and the texture is waxy. A cerebral wine and just lovely stuff. Well stored bottles have a long life yet left ahead. Drink now with patience and plenty of air and through 2051. — 7 months ago
As a Brit, fish, chips and mushy peas is my signature dish .Yes, the mushy came from a can, which is the primary source. We started with a rosé, but we are now on Switchback, which is opulent and correct. — 5 years ago

Nice fruit — 8 years ago
Buttery. Heavy on your tongue. — 9 years ago
Paired well with a lamb, eggplant purée, fava beans, piquolo pepper. Would also pair with a medium rare magret duck or other game. — 11 years ago
Fruity and well-balanced — 4 months ago
This full bodied reserva wine offers big aromas of cherry, black licorice and black pepper. It was tight upon opening but I let it breathe in the glass for an hour which allowed vanilla aromas to come through as well. It offers silky tannins that keep the structure and mellow out on the persistent finish. This wine has flavors of ripe cherry, black pepper and leather. This is a beautiful and complex wine that I think will be even better in a few years. — 4 months ago
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. — 6 months ago
[Sorry couldn't find an entry, logging here Failla 2018 Pearl essence] Single clone - Martini. One taste it surely reminds me of a bottle of Burn Cottage I had a while ago - the same acid lift and acid structure, tomato leaf, sour cranberry, citrusy and bright, red flowers and white + black peppers. 400-500 feet inland, super cool microclimate. Ah it turns out both connected to ted lemon! — 4 years ago
$21.83/btl — 7 years ago
A little heavier than I remember but fully mature and fun to drink with friends. — 7 years ago
Robert Stackowiak
Blend of 76 percent Zinfandel with 16 percent Carignane, 6 percent Petit Syrah, 2 percent Alicante Bouschet. Blackberry, plum and some earthiness on the palate. February 2026. — 3 months ago