A powerful Zin. Tasting dark cherries, blueberries, chocolate, and a bit of spice. — 5 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
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
Truly a 10/10. Floral bouquet of flavor and went fantastic with steak. Purchased in Naples. — 8 months ago
The 2009 vintage is still lovely! — 9 months ago
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. — 5 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
Great fruit, well balanced, almost case worthy — 7 months ago
On the heavier side, a bit tart, plums — 8 months ago
Earthy and peppery. — 3 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
Always amazing — 9 months ago
Tasted at Total Wine & bought a bottle. A little fruity. Not too bold. Good with steak. — 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
Stewed berries, mulling spices, forestry.
Berry medley, cloves, baking spices. Great fruit character. Long finish. A bit high on acidity but a welcome zing. — 8 months ago
Adam
Richly sweet flavor profile of berry and cherry, with hints of spice and smokiness. Heavy but to too much so. Very smooth finish. A high quality wine, and more enjoyable than other Cab Sauvs that I’ve tried. — 2 months ago