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. — 11 days ago

ESF

9.2

had this over a year ago and it's noticeably better, more defined fruit & secondary notes, opulent, rich smooth - so consistent year in year out, this will rock for a decade or so — a month ago

Mark S.

9.0

Black berry spices Fruitiness M+ Sweetness M+ Acidity M Tannin M Smooth This is one of the directions in Ridge Zinfandel. Ridge Three Valleys 23 @1600, P9 - Ambassador, 251126 — 4 days ago

Jay Kline

9.1

From magnum. Popped and poured into red Solo cups; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2008 pours a deep ruby purple color with a near opaque core; medium plus viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart, red and black fruits: mixed brambles, black cherry, black pepper, leather, dry earth and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish is medium plus. Still pretty fresh and considering this is one of the more long-lived examples of Zinfandel I can think of, there is almost no end in sight. Drink now through 2043. — a month ago

joy horn

9.0

Bought at Seghesio 10/2025. Always a great go to wine. Full bodied, full fruit, balanced with tannins. — a month ago

Dale Russwurm

9.0

Cherry and pomegranate. Mild tannins and a little spice — a month ago

Jody Scharf

9.3

Turley always a consistent Zin...never fails. — a month ago

Brent Hendrich

9.0

Cherry. Nice acid. — 3 days ago

Brada

9.0

Very dark with a robust taste. I would buy it again. — 25 days ago

"Odedi"

9.0

Dark ruby in color.

Fruity nose of black currants, plums, cooked cherries and chocolates notes.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry and very fruity on the palate with black currants, blackberries, plums, cooked cherries, tobacco leaf, herbs, caramel and black pepper.

Medium length on the finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This young Grenache blend from California is drinking very nicely now. Nicely balanced and elegant. Complex and easy drinking.

Good right out of the bottle, and better with some airtime.

I used to love this wine years ago and haven't tried it in 5 years. It's not that exciting to me anymore, but still good.

A nice sipping wine that will also pair nicely with a burger.

A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Petite Sirah. Aged for 10 months in (30% new) French Oak barrels.

15.3% alcohol by volume.

90 points.

$40. — 20 days ago