Ridge - Paso Robles Zinfandel 2023 (750ml)
Price: $39.99
| Producer | Ridge |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Paso Robles |
| Varietal | Zinfandel |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Sku | 8514 |
 |
Jammy red confiture with subtle toasty oak aromas. Medium-full bodied, soft mouthfeel with abundant raspberry fruit, a hint of mint, and ample acidity.
100% Zinfandel
Ridge Description
Since 1967, and our first zinfandel from the Dusi Ranch, it is typically the first vineyard picked, a harbinger that harvest has begun. In 2023, however, despite warm spring weather, cooler summer temperatures persisted through September, resulting in one of the latest harvests here in the last 40 years. This cool weather during ripening did help retain acidity. Fruit-forward and sumptuous, this exemplary zinfandel is best enjoyed on release and over the next five years.
Wine Spectator: 94 Points
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.
Jeb Dunnuck: 94 Points
The 2023 Zinfandel Benito Dusi Ranch is made from 100% Zinfandel, 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.
Decanter: 93 Points
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.
Vinous: 93 Points
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.
Wine Advocate: 92 Points
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.
James Suckling: 92 Points
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.
Wine Enthusiast: 90 Points
From a historic ranch in the middle of Paso Robles, this bottling is quite plummy and clove-like on the nose, with lots of primary fermentation elements still apparent. The palate is also quite young and not quite resolved, though the old vines in this iconic winery's hands tends to turn out well within a couple years.
