Complex and pleasant nose, not too fruity. Balanced tannins with hints of blackberry, plum, black cherry, spices, oak, and black pepper. Bold and smooth. Dry finish. — 4 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
On the heavier side, a bit tart, plums — 8 months ago
The 2009 vintage is still lovely! — 9 months ago
Earthy and peppery. — 3 months ago
A powerful Zin. Tasting dark cherries, blueberries, chocolate, and a bit of spice. — 4 months ago
This wine from Saxum is a great value — smooth, even fruit; great balance overall. 79% syrah, 7% petite sirah, 7% grenache, 5% mourvédre. 97 points from Robert Parker and $129 when I bought it from K&L although market looks more like $160 now. — 6 months ago
v20. Never disappoints..ever! Soft dried herb and cedar nose. Juicy, rich, black currant fruit. Velvety, long, slightly astringent mocha and leather finish. Nicely balanced food wine. — 7 months ago
The Antica Terra Botanica Pinot Noir has concentrated notes of black cherry compote, mulberry, wild strawberry, violet, blood orange peel, crushed stone, tarragon leaves, cacao nibs, & clove with fine, polished tannins, lifted acidity, balance; an elegant wine that’s light on its feet with depth of character, projecting a quiet strength. — 8 months ago


New vintage of Justin’s flagship blend. A bit more constrained, but elegant and delicious as always. At 86% cab, is it really a blend? lol. Nice cassis notes. — 4 months ago
The delicious, smoothly textured, 2021 Justin Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles) is intensely colored, nicely balanced, and well structured; medium>full, with an abundance of aromatic and flavorsome black fruits (Bing cherry, blackberry); refined with barrel aging notes (spice, vanilla, toast); and framed with medium acidity and smooth tannins at the mouth cleansing finish. Tasty stuff, and should be ideal with tonight’s wine-braised, beef short ribs and potato pancakes, Happy New Year from Napa Valley! — 5 months ago
Always amazing — 9 months ago
Great fruit, well balanced, almost case worthy — 6 months ago
[Tasted on November 7, 2025 at Miel in Nashville with Ned and Beth]
Purchased at winery in Willamette Valley during 2017 visit. Dried cherry and raspberry preserves, with tobacco, earth, smoke, baking spice and perfume. Burgundian style. — 7 months ago
Stewed berries, mulling spices, forestry.
Berry medley, cloves, baking spices. Great fruit character. Long finish. A bit high on acidity but a welcome zing. — 7 months ago
Amazing complex red wine! — 9 months ago
Jamie Amann
Had a ruby color. Smelled like red berries and tasted like cherry or blackberry. — 3 months ago