Good stuff — 4 months ago
Incredible — 8 months ago
I really enjoyed this wine, unfortunately I paid more than $10 because I bought it at a restaurant. Columbia Valley wines are def in my wheelhouse of taste and enjoyment for vino! 2019 — 3 years ago
Wow, so big, so fruity, a bit sugary. It’s old school cool, like a true OG CA Zinfandel. — 3 months ago
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. — 3 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. — 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
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
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) — 5 months ago
Juicy and with a touch of sweetness. This was very pleasant and paired well with cheese. — 6 months ago
Beaver lake beer wine and spirits $5 cooking wine sale. Can't remember if we aerated it — 7 months ago
Ripe in flavor, with a vivid array of black currant, blackberry, violet, black tea and black pepper aromas and flavors that zoom through to a long, expressive finish. Shows subtlety in the layers of complex flavor against a refined structure. Tannins are present but nicely contained. #1 Wine of 2009, Wine of the Year* — 9 months ago
Deep ruby color.
Aromas of baked raspberry, cinnamon.
Off-dry. Flavors of baked raspberry/blackberry/plum, licorice, cinnamon, oak spice. Rich velvety tannins.
Intensity: 5/5
Complexity: 3/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5 — 3 years ago
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego
Mysterious and delicious but pricey at $70+ a bottle. Now if this were $50-$55, it would be a no-brainer for SLD juice. Will probably be gone before any kind of deal gets offered as I don’t think there’s much of this available. 3.11.26. — 2 months ago