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) — 7 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. — 7 months ago
I love New Zealand’s wine, their strong taste and aroma, almost no aftertaste, especially if compared to French or Italian good Sauvignon blanc. — a year 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
A little heavier than I remember but fully mature and fun to drink with friends. — 7 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
Favorite daily bottle — 10 years ago
Fun fact - So this wine is from the winemaker of Cloudy Bay before it got taken over by LVMH. Another fun fact - it's one of the best whites I've had! — 14 years ago
Fruity, refreshing and beautiful it’s at the top of my list. 2026 summer perfect to enjoy it whilst watching cockatoos and other birds in the garden 😃 — 5 months ago
Wine from birthday dinner at Papadeauxs — 9 months ago
Crisp, tart but slightly sweet citrus — 10 months ago
Light, citrucy, crisp but not dry. Will buy again. Good with watermelon 😋🍉 — 5 years ago
Great white wine we enjoyed both before and during dinner. Will buy again. — 7 years ago
Crisp with good citrus balance — 7 years ago
Nice fruit — 8 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
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. — 6 months ago
Light sweetness and tart — 10 months ago
For hot climates, like here on the Outer Banks, I love chilled Pinot Noir for all day drinking. This Marlborough Pinot has the right acidity to stand up to the spices and heat of the NC summer. — 10 months ago
$21.83/btl — 7 years ago
9/13/18 with Brian& Kelly Scerbo at Buon Gusto
Very light, crisp, refreshing, lots of grapefruit flavor. $34 — 8 years ago
Prudence had this 11 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. — 5 months ago