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. — 23 days ago

Robert Brown

9.1

One of the best as of late. Eggplant parm, pared perfectly. — 2 years ago

with Cynthia

Joe Davant

9.5

I think I’ve found my new favorite California Cabernet. I just I wish I had figured this out sooner. Great aromatics - black and red fruits and a touch of leather. Tannins were perfectly balanced. Loved the palate of currants, blackberry and just the right amount of acidity to keep it feeling youthful, but not edgy. All this from a vintage that was widely panned because it was a cold one for CA. . I lean towards cooler climates wines with bright acidity, so I guess this makes sense for my tastes. — 4 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.5

Lemon gold color with aromas of stone and tropical fruits with citrus, sweet floral and complex spice, no MLF. On the palate flavors of ripe melon, pineapple, apricot and honeysuckle notes with lemon zest and biscuit notes, delicate, complex and well balanced, big and full Chardonnay. Long finish, savory, ending with mineral tones and fresh finish. Will age well. Outstanding! While I usually do not decant whites, this one will benefit to breathe a bit! — 3 months ago

Steven Lee

9.5

boys nite. Very classical napa valley. nose is better than palate. blue fruit, opulent, mineral. now i know my type of wine is one with cabernet, merlot, can franc. comparable to pomerol. just get the cheaper one you can find — 9 months ago

Melissa Hunyadi

9.6

I’m getting citrus and fruity notes from this one. I am surprised I like this. It has a light body and is easy to drink. Yay — 2 years ago

with Kelsey

Giovanna Fornitani Llorente

9.0

Good one #earthy and fruity, 22month anniversary — 2 years ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.4

One of the best american Rieslings out there. The Riesling was planted in 2007. Kick On Ranch is just a few miles West of Los Alamos (CA) , getting close to the ocean and Vandenberg Air Force Base. 120 cases. 13.5%. Plenty of acidity, 🍯 , botyris? , fresh cut garden hose. Quite herbal. Oregano. Tatomer’s top of the line offer. He learned the trade in Austria 🇦🇹, Wachau region. This 2019 is very very good. Not Mosel just different - and perhaps quintessential Californian. — 7 months ago

Bobbi Jo Broxson

9.4

One of our favorites, delicious and smooth without being super fruity. — 10 months ago

with Brian

Donald Williams

9.6

Still one of my favorite Zins. — 2 years ago

with Bonnie