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)
Top Quality Store
