Very good and easy to drink — 7 months ago
Good on Debbie bday party — 10 months ago
Dark in color. Super fruity on the nose. Blackberry and plumb notes. Peppery, leathery, earthy finish. — a year ago
Stunning, really. Still fresh and fruity, but with impeccable balance. Wish I had more! — a year ago
Kind to the palate — 6 years ago
Dark fruits, intense colour, great legs. A real bargain. — 8 years ago
Gift from Rosita — 11 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
Domaine Vacheron – Sancerre 2015
Loire Valley, France 🇫🇷
Overview
From one of Sancerre’s most respected biodynamic estates, Vacheron crafts Sauvignon Blancs with precision, purity, and unmistakable terroir character. Tasting a 10-year-old Sancerre is rare, as most are enjoyed young—but this 2015 shows surprising resilience and depth.
Aromas & Flavors
Candied lemon peel stands out alongside subtle citrus oil, quince, and a faint touch of almond. The classic flinty minerality of Sancerre still hums beneath, though softened by time. A hint of oxidative nuttiness peeks through—expected with age—but adds intrigue rather than distraction.
Mouthfeel
Mouthwatering acidity remains alive, giving freshness even at a decade old. Medium-bodied, textural, and persistent, finishing with a gentle grip of minerality and citrus zest.
Food Pairing
Pairs well with aged goat cheeses (Crottin de Chavignol is a must), grilled white fish, or even poultry with lemon-herb sauce. Its aged nuance also makes it a fine companion for mushroom risotto.
Verdict
A Sancerre that defies expectations with its longevity. While youth usually showcases sharp vibrancy, this 2015 proves that time can reveal a different elegance: layered, slightly oxidative, yet still minerally precise. A rewarding surprise for anyone curious about how Sauvignon Blanc ages. Cheers! — 8 months ago
Zolecki’s Memorial Day 2025 — a year ago
Taking its name from the sea and sun – the two forces of nature that shape its character. Pale lemon, aromas of Stone and tropical fruits, with floral and sweet spice notes. On the palate flavors of apple, peach & apricot with lemon zest and toasty vanilla notes. Smooth long finish, well balanced, nice acidity, ending with fruit, vanilla oak and mineral character. Sip’s well now. Pair this with some fresh tuna! — a year ago
Warm, juicy. Lots of fruit. A hint of overripe fruit. A touch of coconut. — 8 months ago
Balanced with restrained fruit. Nice acidity and nose. — 10 months ago
This is amazing we have had this several times always amazing! — a year 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
With halibut cheeks, dandelion greens, sand dab fillets from west port farmers market, g-town — 6 years ago
One of my favorites — 11 years ago
Always a good bet — 12 years ago
JC Muehlenberg
Light, very universal. — 6 months ago