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

Jess

9.3

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

Shengli Hu

9.2

[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

Neil Valenzuela

9.2

Medium ruby color. Aromas of dried red fruit, savory herbs and chalky minerals. Amazing black cherry on the palate soft, black tea tannins gives it a nice dry finish. — 7 years ago

Min Liu

9.4

My favorite Syrah. Vanilla, baked red fruit, baking spices, and soft finish. Simply the best! — 7 years ago

Jim Stehli

9.0

Nice fruit — 8 years ago

Raj Harb

9.4

A wine of contradiction. Brilliant ruby w translucent edges. Energetic fruit on the nose, especially present when poured alongside 2010 West ridge. But the palate is all earth and spice. Awesome — 9 years ago

with Jasmine

Christopher Beatty

9.0

Full flavor. Not too jammy. — 9 years ago

Michael Washabaugh

9.1

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

Kevin Løk

9.3

So good, but I served it too cold ✍🏼 — 6 months ago

with Caroline

Rob Brobst III

9.8

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

Charlie Tapp

9.7

Exceptionally vibrant 18 years later.

My favorite zinfandel on the planet. — 10 months ago

Gary Redng

9.0

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

Maggie Harrison

9.4

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

Prescott Paulin

8.9

$21.83/btl — 7 years ago

Megan

9.0

I usually tend toward Pinot Noir, but when I want something just a bit bolder, Gamay hits the spot. I have really been enjoying this 2015 vintage. — 8 years ago

Bob Benson

8.9

Great value and wonderful body . Some spice with dark berries. Will try to get more for just to have on a nice night on the deck — 8 years ago

Mike Smith

Owner/Winemaker Myriad Cellars

9.0

More Cameron funk than normal — 9 years ago

Janet Eileen

9.3

Full of body and flavor for the price. Great Friday night steak wine! — 11 years ago

Gianna Fugazi

9.5

Wow! Bright yellow sun gold hues. Smells are herbaceous and iron driven with notes of warm yellow fleshed tomatoes and beeswax. Taste is bright with present salivating acids. Salty notes of sea coast must. — 11 years ago

with Chantal

Des Adams

9.3

Beaver lake beer wine and spirits $5 cooking wine sale. Can't remember if we aerated it — 7 months ago

Nagib Nasr

9.3

Incredible — 8 months ago

Scott Soren

9.8

Big bouquet on the nose. Luscious mouth feel enveloping all the senses.dark cherry with a hint of molasses. The wine lingered on the throat for 45 seconds. Absolute over performer.  — 9 months ago

Jeremiah Diaz

8.9

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

Ron R

9.3

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

with Anne-marie

Ed Lehrman

9.1

A little heavier than I remember but fully mature and fun to drink with friends. — 7 years ago

Lynn Derbyshire

9.0

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

David Mark

9.1

Macy brought this for Thanksgiving and it's wonderful — 8 years ago

Jack Hagler

9.4

Heavier tannins – nice. Velvety. Tobacco, leather, earthy blueberries. Long finish making me want more, more, more. This is a repeat. — 9 years ago

with Carol

KGPeace

9.0

A wine easily shared with someone that doesn't require a label. — 11 years ago