Deep velvety flavor. — 4 months ago
The delicious, smoothly textured, 2021 Justin Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles) is intensely colored, nicely balanced, and well structured; medium>full, with an abundance of aromatic and flavorsome black fruits (Bing cherry, blackberry); refined with barrel aging notes (spice, vanilla, toast); and framed with medium acidity and smooth tannins at the mouth cleansing finish. Tasty stuff, and should be ideal with tonight’s wine-braised, beef short ribs and potato pancakes, Happy New Year from Napa Valley! — 5 months ago
Always reliable. — 5 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
With halibut cheeks, dandelion greens, sand dab fillets from west port farmers market, g-town — 6 years ago
Dark fruits, intense colour, great legs. A real bargain. — 8 years ago
One of my favorites — 11 years ago
My FAVORITE. I have no helpful review. I just know what I like. — 4 months ago
Kristian brought to dinner — 4 months ago
[Tasted on January 1, 2025 at Home]
Melon, pear and grapefruit, with lemon zest and flinty notes. Wine has maintained acidity despite 10 years of aging. — 5 months ago
Good! Buy again. — 5 months 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
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
Kind to the palate — 6 years ago
Delicious with smoke salmon — 7 years ago
Whoa. Bursting with fruity smoothness.
Very drinkable — 9 years ago
Gift from Rosita — 11 years ago
New vintage of Justin’s flagship blend. A bit more constrained, but elegant and delicious as always. At 86% cab, is it really a blend? lol. Nice cassis notes. — 4 months ago
Wood Ranch yummy dinner on a very windy night before NY Eve, almost the end of 2025. Thanks to Mitch and Krista for Xmas gift card here. — 5 months ago
Ruby red slightly with violet. raspberry blueberry clove nutmeg red tea. Red flower. Meaty black berry cherry
Fruitiness M+ Sweetness M Acidity M++ Tannin M Body M Finish M 13.5% Sonoma
22 @10450, AD, 251210 — 5 months ago
Exquisite, really smooth, light and drinkable with just about any fish dish. Will for sure get again — 6 years ago
As always, mega solid. Def one of my fave expressions of Carmenere. — 10 years ago

Always a good bet — 12 years ago
Anthony Kluska
This is what new world should be. Pepper fruit oak. — 3 months ago