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. — 7 months ago

Seth Masterson

9.2

While the Greek name 'xinomavro' translates to 'black acid', this wine was light in tannins and acidity, clean, mellow.
Violets and red plums in summer on ye nose and something more that I cant define. (In the second bottle I got it; artisan made strawberry pop tarts)
More violet but also strawberry on my tongue. Maybe I taste volcanic soil??
$34 Bottlesomm 8.9 per price range — 5 years ago

Ron R

9.1

This didn’t misbehave at all.
Elegance and balance define the core components. Displays moderate depth without heaviness, and body without sharpness. Taste profile displays straw, roasted almonds and salinity. Obnoxious price by the glass at Nougatine, don’t pay more than $30 by the bottle. — 5 years ago

with Anne-marie

Andrew Holod

National Sales Grapes of Spain

9.0

Both golden fruited and lean, this feels a lot more 'French' than German. Delicious no matter how you define it, with the beginning of petrol/epazopte notes. — 5 years ago

Jakub Kalinowski

9.2

Amazing purity & depth and an electric tension define this wine much more than any fruity or floral descriptions.
100y vines on grey slate, vinified bone dry and with a great mineral spicy core. There is some fruit wound around it but it’s wound very tight. Great presence and a finish that just goes in forever.
This is complex and quite profound.
And costs peanuts for this experience! — 5 years ago

James Forsyth

9.6

Holy smokes this is good. Backbone aplenty and intense acidity define this beauty. Red fruit and licorice about. It tastes like a baby still. Indeed, in the coming years I'm sure it'll become much more giving. I've been using my Coravin on the 2013 Felsina Rancia for around a month. Consistent impressions so far. — 6 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Château LaTour de Bessan – Margaux 2022
Bordeaux – France 🇫🇷

Overview
A cru bourgeois property in the heart of Margaux, LaTour de Bessan showcases the elegance and structure that define the Left Bank. The 2022 vintage, shaped by a warm growing season, highlights both concentration and finesse — a reminder of how Margaux balances power with perfume.

Aromas & Flavors
Expressive cassis, black cherry, and blueberry meld with notes of cedar, graphite, and violet. Subtle hints of tobacco leaf and spice linger in the background, adding Bordeaux’s signature complexity.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with polished tannins and a vibrant core of acidity. Silky yet structured, showing poise on the mid-palate and a lingering, refined finish. Built to age, but already offering glimpses of charm.

Food Pairings
Ideal with classic Bordeaux fare — roast lamb, duck breast, or beef tenderloin. Also pairs beautifully with mushroom dishes and aged cheeses like Comté.

Verdict
A stylish Margaux that balances depth with elegance. While the 2022 is still young, its aromatic lift and refined structure promise rewarding evolution over the next decade. A Left Bank classic in the making. 🍷cheers! — 9 months ago

Ceccherini Cristiano

9.3

1630 bottles produced
Old school natural wine
Niccolaini was the avant-garde of the movement without ever being in it himself.
I got told stories of a farm with no electricity perhaps a decade ago or so
Massa Vecchia is appreciated for all its labels and you can find out which one is your favourite
Personally i am not a rose drinker, but i knew i wasn't going to be disappointed here
This is more like a Valentini cerasuolo d'Abruzzo, but even more extract, i dare to say if you sell this wine for a red nobody would argue.
It's funky to start, it gives you cola and china and its fresh and fun, plus very long and mineral.
Quite earthy perhaps not a precise fruit to define, but real good altogether
For my understanding this is the last vintage made by Niccolaini' daughter in law as a winemaker and i keep a bottle of the next vintage..i am very curious to how he has come back to his captain seat. — 4 years ago

Delectable Wine

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8.9

The 2019 Nero d'Avola from Colosi wafts up with a dark, alluring bouquet of crushed rocks, peppery herbs and black currants. Its silky textures are complemented by mineral-tinged, sweet wild berries with zesty acids. Shades of lavender define the finale. $15.00 (Eric Guido, Vinous, May 2021) — 5 years ago

Rob Brobst III

9.4

Deep blue and black fruits, and mocha spice define this full-bodied and concentrated wine. Dried fruit and Asian spice character with some full body, round and velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. This is an age worthy wine with many years in front of it. — 5 years ago

Justin Hansohn

9.2

Only getting more refined with time this is showing beguiling complexity reminiscent of some good 1er chablis can’t quite define if that’s butter or silk or withering white flowers. Loving it. — 6 years ago

Tracy Byrnes

9.0

So much going on here that is intriguing. I keep going back to try and define it all. — 7 years ago

Bloody Amateur

9.1

Superbly satisfying. Cabernet Franc, elevated and “extracted,” at least in the way I define that term. — 8 years ago

Adam Kincaid

9.0

Absolutely delicious Mosel Riesling here that feature the wet slate and mineral notes that really define the region for me. Some honey and peach on the nose as well, but inside it is a well balanced and concentrated amount of citrus and pear. A touch of sweetness, but beautifully weighed with the justice scales of acid. — 3 years ago

with Jillian

Ron R

9.6

Absolutely stunning. Words are tough to find to describe this beautiful example. Drinking perfectly now. Butterscotch, caramel and almonds define this. Finish is caressing with softish acidity. Drink these now if you have them.. — 3 years ago

with Anne-marie

Randy Fuller

9.5

Dark fruit dominates the nose while some savory notes play through. The aromas of black and blue berries, plums and cassis define the bouquet, which is shaped by shades of anise and earth. The palate is really a delight, as fruity as you want it to be while maintaining the Prince of Darkness title. Tannins are firm but not feisty. The wine drinks quite smooth, even upon recent pouring. I liked it paired with a Spencer steak seasoned with salt and pepper, and a side of chimichurri. I make mine with parsley, cilantro and a Fresno pepper cut up in it. — 5 years ago

Ron R

9.3

Without doubt, for the loot, Duband is my favorite producer in Burgundy.
This has relaxed and is now ready to drink. Subtly, elegance and grace define the core characteristics of this superb pinot.
The nose is understated, but still presents cedar, smoke and ripe cherries. Great, structured mid palate. Tannins are still prominent. Cinnamon notes and vibrant acidity bring home the excellent finish. This still needs more time in the bottle, and I predict further improvement in the long run. — 5 years ago

Stas Medvedev

9.7

🏅Rating 97+/100 (4,75⭐)

Clos du Mesnil is a 1.84-hectare vineyard in Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger surrounded by the walls. Its location and microclimate define a distinct terroir for Chardonnay which is renowned in Champagne as much as Montrachet in Burgundy.

This precious CdM'82 I shared with my champagne fellows on the eve of COVID-19 crisis. Memories that CdM definitely imprints in our minds and deep emotions which stay forever.

Perfectly aged multilayered wine with a complex tertiary bouquet to die for. Roasted nuts, honey, chalkiness and underlying pronounced acidity. So joyful!

Solo in Remi Krug terms, but the power of its voice equals to the orchestra. — 6 years ago

Nick Farrell

9.5

So hard to define. Minerally like Chablis. But heavy like CA chard? Awesome. Loved it. — 7 years ago

Gavin Baum

9.3

Drinking in its absolute prime right now. Aromas and flavors all point straight to Chablis, with copious, vividly define notes of flint, smoke, sea salt, chamomile and caramelized citrus. But the wine's rich, tactile palate presence betray its Californian origins. Lovely balance here. — 7 years ago