I don‘t know. This has so much oak it overpowers everything. Might need another 10 years to be approachable. Cigar box, black berries. Deep, big and profound. I am not sure I would spend 70$ on this. It needs much much more time. Probably needs to be open for 2 days. Out of the machine at the Wine House in LA. — 10 months ago
Medium ruby in color; black cherries, plums, and cedar on the nose; medium plus acidity; medium tannins, but smooth; tastes like blackberries, cherries, and a hint of bell pepper witha long finish. Not as complex as I would like, but pretty good. — 3 years ago
As a Brit, fish, chips and mushy peas is my signature dish .Yes, the mushy came from a can, which is the primary source. We started with a rosé, but we are now on Switchback, which is opulent and correct. — 5 years ago

A little heavier than I remember but fully mature and fun to drink with friends. — 7 years ago
Top year 904 @ £75 that was drank in Zalto burg glass as its like an aged burgundy
🐽 Paired w/ Iberian Ham 😍
🍷 Garnet ruby w/ brick
👃 Smoked burnt oak, soggy earthy leaves, leather, dark cherry & figs w/ balsamic & damson
👄 Med body of creamy stewed cherry w/ earthy balsamic & slight mocha
🎯 Med finish of above w/ earthy balsamic linger
Reaching peak but I preferred the 95 904 over this but the 890 94 was better than the 95! — 9 years ago


Tastes like a glorious oak tree, surprisingly tannins — 11 years ago
Good stuff — 7 months 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. — 8 months ago
Juicy and with a touch of sweetness. This was very pleasant and paired well with cheese. — 9 months ago
Beaver lake beer wine and spirits $5 cooking wine sale. Can't remember if we aerated it — 10 months ago
Black berry aroma and taste. Smooth tannins and mild acidity. Just a tad tart on the finish. — 3 years 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
$21.83/btl — 7 years ago
Nice fruit — 8 years ago
Heavier tannins – nice. Velvety. Tobacco, leather, earthy blueberries. Long finish making me want more, more, more. This is a repeat. — 9 years ago
Birthday dinner in Dana Point's Lantern District at Craft House with Ramon. Way to start of the birthday month. Crisp, dry and full of flavor! — 10 years ago
12/20/25 - Steak dinner with spinach nookie & bread roll. — 8 months ago

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) — 8 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. — 9 months ago
Deepest of Ruby color. Amazing nose with a hint of cinnamon. I’m a big fan of Malbec but the petit Verdot really balances this wine out. Great legs and deep color make a visually appealing drink. Tons of fruit and mild tannins to balance the fruit out. Drinking this wine on Christmas Eve and I feel a little guilty like I opened a present early. Trefethen never disappoints. — 2 years ago
[Sorry couldn't find an entry, logging here Failla 2018 Pearl essence] Single clone - Martini. One taste it surely reminds me of a bottle of Burn Cottage I had a while ago - the same acid lift and acid structure, tomato leaf, sour cranberry, citrusy and bright, red flowers and white + black peppers. 400-500 feet inland, super cool microclimate. Ah it turns out both connected to ted lemon! — 4 years ago
Jason brought for boys golf week. Spainish. 10 yr great. — 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
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
Scott E. Becker
[Tasted on February 1, 2026 at Tom and Kathy’s house with Tom and Kathy]
Cherry and strawberry fruit, with black tea, spice and rose petals. — 6 months ago