Ron Kyle

9.0

Always reliable. — 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

10

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

Christo Barker

9.6

Exquisite, really smooth, light and drinkable with just about any fish dish. Will for sure get again — 6 years ago

Shawn R

9.3

Delish with a 2 hour decant. Pairs well with chipotle bison burgers. — 8 years ago

Mike Hathaway

9.2

As always, mega solid. Def one of my fave expressions of Carmenere. — 10 years ago

with Drew

P A

9.2

Always a good bet — 12 years ago

Mark S.

9.0

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

Joe Flo

9.6

Wine Spectator #1 wine dinner. With a good decanting this was a great wine. 🍷 — 7 months ago

Randy Fillingim

9.5

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

Eric Urbani

9.2

Still our fave — 5 years ago

Dylan Thomas

9.0

With halibut cheeks, dandelion greens, sand dab fillets from west port farmers market, g-town — 6 years ago

Jose Rico

9.2

Dark fruits, intense colour, great legs. A real bargain. — 8 years ago

Mike Bledsoe

9.6

One of my favorites — 11 years ago

Rob N

9.4

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

Perry Atha

9.5

Fantastic !!! One word describes it all — 9 months ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.0

Medium ruby color. Aromas of cherry, cranberry and hints of red licorice. Cherry and cola on the palate, with a black tea finish. Paired nicely with pulled pork sandwiches.

🏅91 Points - Wine Spectator — 10 months ago

Peter Sidell

9.4

Kind to the palate — 6 years ago

Kathleen Duffy

9.0

Delicious with smoke salmon — 7 years ago

Paul Stockdale

9.7

Whoa. Bursting with fruity smoothness.


Very drinkable — 9 years ago

Miyuki

8.9

Gift from Rosita — 11 years ago