After my recent white Burgh come to Jesus experience. I must say in 22 W-Burghs are the shit despite the $$$. They are stunning. More to come. Worth the extra 30$ yes. The US counter punch the 22 Mark Enfield Watson Ranch at 1/2 the price - typically his top wine - was just too linear and less exciting in this particular vintage. So i threw in this 22 Hirsch. Honeyed Melon on the nose. Lacks a tad of acidity. Quite tropical and almost sweet. 13.7%. Touch hazelnut already and relative dark yellow. Seems too highly extracted. Definitely a crowd pleaser - but this at least today is not my kind of wine. Too rich. 65$. Just can’t match the finesse of the chiseled Bachelet -Monnot 22 white Burghs. And pricy for what it has to offer. More WB tastings to come - but soon i am done! Spend enough. — 7 months ago
i am not into chardonnay…but i like this one….
smoky/oaky-citrusy/tangy…. light feeling :) nice balanced… — 9 months ago
With halibut cheeks, dandelion greens, sand dab fillets from west port farmers market, g-town — 6 years ago
Delicious with smoke salmon — 7 years ago
Always a good bet — 12 years ago
This wine from Saxum is a great value — smooth, even fruit; great balance overall. 79% syrah, 7% petite sirah, 7% grenache, 5% mourvédre. 97 points from Robert Parker and $129 when I bought it from K&L although market looks more like $160 now. — 6 months ago
Oh my goodness — 6 months ago
Been a while since I last opened one these bad boys. Still young but great bottle. Tons of precision. — 7 months ago
As good a Pinot - 2009. - that I have had. Seamless. Tannins and fruits in near perfect harmony. Initial taste - amazing. AND it finishes just as good. — 5 years ago
Minor leagues compared to the J Schram or the Billecarte but nothing stopped the two of us from polishing off this magnum on Friday night. No regrets come Saturday morning. — 7 years 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
Lemon gold color with aromas of stone and tropical fruits with citrus, sweet floral and complex spice, no MLF. On the palate flavors of ripe melon, pineapple, apricot and honeysuckle notes with lemon zest and biscuit notes, delicate, complex and well balanced, big and full Chardonnay. Long finish, savory, ending with mineral tones and fresh finish. Will age well. Outstanding! While I usually do not decant whites, this one will benefit to breathe a bit! — 9 months ago
Kind to the palate — 6 years ago
Matt keiser selection — 12 years ago
Jan A
Was a bit austere two years ago but it is coming around nicely. Some pleasant nutty tones are on the rise. This just needed some more time... — 6 months ago