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B-21 Top Recommendation
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Is there a more consistently excellent estate in California than Ridge Vineyards? You'd be hard-pressed to make an argument otherwise. Decades of category-defining class and substance have resulted in untold numbers of awards and accolades, so it's no surprise to see them once again at the head of the class in this year's Wine Spectator Top 100 with the 2023 Lytton Springs Estate Red. The 2023 marks a high-water mark for this California original, not only with the Spectator accolades but also a towering 98 points from Jeb Dunnuck's new California critic, Virginie Boone. Most incredibly, the Lytton Springs remains one of the great QPR stars in California wine, and that continues with this sub-$50 parcel of the "stunning" 2023.
You could fairly call pretty much any Zinfandel in Ridge's line-up an icon of the category, but the 2023 Geyserville truly stands alone as Ridge's longest-standing, oldest cuvée, produced continuously since 1966. From three adjoining parcels in Alexander Valley on alluvial soil deposited by the Russian River Valley, the triple 95-point 2023 Geyserville is emblematic of the full potential of California Zin. "It truly offers the perfect balance of dark fruit and freshness, within a full-bodied richness and structure still built for aging, as with all Ridge wines," notes Virginie Boone. In short, as Vinous' Billy Norris puts it, "Virile and intense, this is a monster wine that's only at the very beginning of its evolution."
The 2023 Three Valleys continues this entry-level cuvées record and reputation as a superb bang-for-the-buck choice, thanks not only to Ridge's unparalleled vineyard sources in Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Russian River Valley, but also to their commitment to the same meticulous winemaking that goes into their top bottlings. Notching a pair of 93-point scores from Wine Spectator and Jeb Dunnuck, it's "complex and less rustic than usual, the vintage showing classic charm and elegance." In a category that too often sees explosive fruit bombs with alcohol approaching jet fuel levels, you can always depend on Ridge to stay true to proper California Zin form – vivid varietal character, undeniable charm and approachability, and world-class value.
While Ridge's most acclaimed and well-known bottlings come from their prized Sonoma sites, they also have access to prime fruit from further south, namely the famed Dusi Vineyard in Paso Robles. True to Ridge's top-tier standards, they aren't aiming for Sonoma Zin from Paso with this bottling. It's pure Dusi Zin all the way, the kind we know and love from other Zin wizards like Turley. The double 94-point 2023 Paso Robles Zinfandel is "sleek and vibrant" with an effortless personality defined by its "impressive persistence, energy and palpable tannic grip." Of course, Ridge's hallmark balanced style is also evident in a "a beaming, succulent palate lined with invigorating acidity that runs through the elegant, refreshing finish."
Any way you look at it, Ridge's reference-point excellence is primed and ready to go in any and all of these exceptional bottlings from a great vintage. |
94JD
94WS
93V
93D
92WA
92JS
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The 2023 Zinfandel Paso Robles is made from 100% Zinfandel grown at Benito Dusi Ranch, the vines old and established; Ridge's first vintage was 1967. Featuring full-bodied, jammy red fruit, it is juicy, broad, and fleshy while also offering a high-toned, restrained style. A hallmark of the vineyard is its great acidity, with brightness a consistent characteristic across vintages. Round, it's not sweet but allows enough sweetness from the fruit to be lush and appealing from start to finish, spending 12 months in 15% new American oak. Drink now through 2033.
94 points, Virginie Boone, Jeb Dunnuck (Apr 2025)
A sleek and vibrant claret-style Zin that retains a distinctive, brambly personality. Offers black cherry and raspberry flavors accented with smoked pepper and anise. Drink now through 2034. 4,500 cases made.
94 points, Tim Fish, Wine Spectator (Aug 2025)
The 2023 Zinfandel (Paso Robles) comes from the east side of Benito Dusi Ranch. It opens with a rush of dark varietal fruit and structure, with notes of spiced blackberry preserves and licorice underpinned by subtle tobacco tones. Despite its undeniably forward personality, the 2023 remains balanced and composed. The finish is long and mouthcoating, marked by impressive persistence, energy and palpable tannic grip.
93 points, Billy Norris, Vinous (Oct 2025)
This is from the Benito Dusi Ranch, planted in 1922 by the Dusi family, and they farm it to this day. Sitting inland about 14 miles, this is a very warm site, even in Paso Robles. Ridge has been making this wine since 1967. It's always the first pick in the Ridge portfolio; these are own-rooted, head-trained vines. Aged 15 months in 80% neutral American oak. Aromatics of black plums and Christmas spice, with a hint of blackberry and muddled mint leaf. The palate is juicy yet vibrant with an exhilarating acidity that animates the ripe black berries, damson plums and a final note of exotic Mexican chocolate.
93 points, Clive Pursehouse, Decanter (Apr 2025)
Hailing from old vines at Dusi Ranch, the 2023 Zinfandel Paso Robles opens with a vibrant nose of candied red fruits and dried spices, followed by a beaming, succulent palate lined with invigorating acidity that runs through the elegant, refreshing finish.
92 points, Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate (Aug 2025)
Rich, ripe aromas of plum confit, blackberry compote, roasted coffee beans, bitter chocolate and spices. The palate is full-bodied with a rounded mouthfeel, finely tuned tannins and bright acidity. There's some nice freshness here from a cooler vintage. Drink or hold.
92 points, James Suckling (May 2025)
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