Ericsson

9.3

Ridge Vineyards Wine Mixer at Thyme Restaurant. Drinking very well at the moment. — 6 months ago

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. — 9 months ago

JK Robinson

8.9

Yah. This is a good ‘un. For sure would buy again. On the big side of cab at the start, with a light-medium finish. I can use this in my life. — 4 years ago

Severn G

9.2

Nose has crushed strawberry, Clementine orange slice, yellow raspberry, red raspberry, green table grapes and moist chalk.

Palate has cherry, (light) raspberry, Clementine orange zest, partially dried strawberry, green melon, (light) steely notes and faint salinity. Nice wine, good finish, think this will settle into a greater spot in a couple years.

Quite a fruit forward profile on the nose, this is presently drinking better than the '19, likely closer to the '18 for immediate enjoyment. We generally hold at least a case on most vintages, for consumption 2-3Y past current vintage. The strategy hasn't failed us yet on satisfaction for this bottling. — 5 years ago

Joe Davant

9.4

I’ve been holding off on drinking any of the 2012 vintage from Hirsch because the folks at the winery said this vintage that needed time in the bottle. @Bill Bender’s notes about the 2012 Hirsch Reserve encouraged me to open a bottle, and I’m glad I did. The wine was deep and broad with more earth, forest floor, mushroom, and loamy notes than I have come to expect from Hirsch wines. The structure has settled down and the more beguiling feminine aspects of the West Ridge are now showing themselves. This was fanatic with crispy roast duck at Gideon Ridge. On a side note, I’ll give a plug to that restaurant. IMHO, it’s the best restaurant in the high country, with great food, service and views. Just plan ahead because reservations are often 6-8 weeks out during the summer season. — 7 years ago

Ericsson

9.0

Ridge Vineyards Wine Mixer at Thyme Restaurant — 6 months ago

Scott E. Becker

9.3

[Tasted on February 1, 2026 at Tom and Kathy’s house with Tom and Kathy]

Cherry and strawberry fruit, with black tea, spice and rose petals. — 6 months ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.0

I really liked this wine when tasted at the winery in May 2024. Now it seems closed - the exuberant fruit i remembered is gone (tried 2 bottles to be sure). These recent samples (Dec. 27th) did drink more like reds and lacked the usual „man what is this“ wow effect of E&M. Faint hint of strawberry, elegant and pure. Opens up after 4 hours. — 2 years ago

S.S. Mandani

8.9

Apparently the producer is known for their Barbaresco, so had to cop.

Good entry point as well, will not break the bank.

Soil and roses. Less tar, more muddy. In a good way. Nice tannins, bracing acidity. Needs a bit of roundness at the end. Nice strawberry front notes
— 3 years ago

Mike Nelson

9.0

At the vineyard for a tasting with Kathleen, Jay and Josie Barton, Jenny Rhodes. A bit less tannin than the 2020. Bolder than the estate Pinot Noir. — 4 years ago

Chris B.

9.3

Elegant, classy, fine... not an obnoxious fruit bomb at all (although unmistakably Californian). First impression was sun-dried flowers, cedar and sweetness but after drinking, it was a rounded mix of licorice, blackberries and chocolate custard. Tannins are chewy - you just want to keep drinking it. — 6 years ago

Hayden B. Oothout

9.5

Outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon from a reputable Santa Cruz vineyard. Double decanted for an hour. This vintage is light but bold at the same time. Only clocking in at 13.1%. It is thin on the palette but structured. Good tannin structure, light red fruit, minimal oak and charming acidity. After 10 years in the bottle, this vintage is just waking up. Luckily I have 2 more bottles in my cellar. After the first glass, your palette really adjusts to the light but subtle flavors. Don’t drink this after a big, bold wine. This should be the first wine you consume. Drink now with decanting or age for 20 more years. — 7 years ago

James Burge

9.3

stars and stripes; bold at 14.5%; pair with pork; drink with good company (2018) — 6 months ago

joy horn

9.9

Bought at Pine Orchard 11/25 $70 after tasting at Ridge in 10/25. Less expensive here. The 2023 is rated at 100 pts. Absolutely delicious. Floral aromas, lightly crisp, subtle oak, smooth finish. — 8 months ago

Hwee Ling Ho

9.4

Light red. Light wooden tannins. oak chocolate black fruit faint tobacco. Light meaty smelll. Taste of oak blackberry plum cherry chocolate raspberry black cherry licorice blackcurrant cedar strawberry fig light pepper Very deep I smell and taste. — 3 years ago

Henry Fuseler

9.0

11/2023. Deep purple, medium nose and nice on the palate. Paired well with the petite filet at Hall’s Chophouse.

I’ve had the. ‘19 & ‘20 vintages and both were good. — 3 years ago

Henry Fuseler

9.0

12/2022. Nicely structured wine. Dark color and good fruit. Paired well with the Pierogies at Gervais and Vine. — 4 years ago

Scott Kahn

9.0

Great forest bouquet to complement rich red fruit on the fruit palette. This wine is at its peak and was a fantastic complement to sushi and cheeses! — 6 years ago

Joe Gillies

9.4

This winery was sold and rebranded to Immortal Estate. This was $55 and then increased (to 75 - 100). Amazing wine at $55 but loses its value around the $70 or so price range.
Silky smooth lush dark fruit, cocoa, and cigar flavors. Drinking very well now right.
The new winery I boycott on the outrageous price increases but these are very good at the right price point. — 6 years ago

James Webb

9.4

This is wonderful - a nose of fresh ripe sweet red strawberry, morphs into some raspberry. Acid builds perfectly into a balance of fruit and acid with the prevailing strawberry note at the center. Finishes also fruity with just a tinge of green fruit but just a hint, and a I mean a hint, of chalk. This balances the finish beautifully. Really world class rose. — 7 years ago