Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Deep Ruby red color with aromas of black fruits, cedar and baking spice. On the palate flavors of cherry and strawberry with cola, floral and sweet cinnamon herb spice notes. Full-bodied, fine tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, toasty oak, herbs and a savory earthy mineral character. Nice! — 2 days ago

Ken Venezio

9.2

Still drinking well. Loads of up front black and blue fruit and the structure you'd expect from Hall. This wine is mellowed with 6% Merlot but still big and bold. Easily goes both 5-7 yrs. — 24 days ago

Ted

9.1

7 years old and still a pup. Another Vino Volo DTW pick-up. Fruit is very prominent and there is a slight black licorice note that hangs on for a few seconds. — 19 days ago

with Jeni

Henry Fuseler

9.0

10/2025. Good cab. Bold and nice finish. Good fruit. — a month ago

Brandon Boesch

9.3

Tasting great. Big, bold, some butter, but a ton of tropical fruit, lemon, peach, some stones. Not typically my style but I’m enjoying this 9 year old version. — 10 days ago

Joan Ziegler

9.0

Enjoyed with our Elev8Data buddies in Palo Alto on a chilly Friday night — 4 days ago

"Odedi"

9.1

Pretty color of ruby with a wide reddish rim.

Fruity nose of red and blue fruits with light wood, herbs, light vegetables, spices and chocolates.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with black currants, blueberries, plums, cherries, earth, peppercorn, dark chocolates, herbs and light vegetables.

This 6 year old Single Vineyard Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley is drinking very nicely now. Fruit forward, rich and nicely balanced. Complex and entertaining. Elegant and tangy.

Good right out of the bottle, and gets earthier as it opens up.

Peaking now, and will continue to drink nicely in the next few years.

I had this vintage 3 years ago, and decided to let it age a bit longer, and it is drinking so much better now.

Easy drinking and good by itself or with food.

100% Pinot Noir grapes were aged for 10 months in (35% new) French Oak barrels. Unfiltered and unfined.

13.7% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$50. — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.7

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 days ago

Kelley Raymond

9.3

Really balanced Andrea finish. A touch thin keeping it from amazing — 21 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

92 today but will pick up a point w/ some bottle age.

I am not much of a CA Chardonnay drinker, but this producer vineyard has gotten my attention over the yrs. Not over oaked. CA burgundy for the most part. Good value at $39.99. — 2 months ago