Benito Dusi’s Ranch is the only zinfandel vineyard that Ridge sources from within the Central Coast Viticultural Area. The 1967 vintage was our first wine from the Dusi Ranch. It was planted to zinfandel in 1922 which is unusual because Prohibition had started two years earlier. Purchased by Sylvester and Catarina Dusi in 1924, the property has been farmed since the 1940s by their son Benito, the owner. Benito passed away in 2019, leaving the care of the vineyard to his nephew, Mike.
Jammy red confiture with subtle toasty oak aromas. Medium-full bodied, soft mouthfeel with abundant raspberry fruit, a hint of mint, and ample acidity. Pair with grilled hanger steak, smoked duck breast or miso caramel popcorn.
94 Owen Bargreen The 2023 ‘Paso Robles’ Zinfandel is sourced from the Dusi Vineyard, as this wine was first made by Ridge in the 1960s. 100% varietal, this offers graphite and dark chocolate shavings mingle well with cardamom dusted orange peel and menthol notes on the nose. The palate is very fresh and lithe on the mouth, with terrific tension and texture, as well as salty undertones. Complex and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035
94 Jeb Dunnuck 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. Drink now through 2033.
93 Wilford Wong of Wine.com The historic Dusi Ranch, established in 1923, has been an excellent source of Paso Robles Zinfandels. The 2023 Ridge Benito Dusi Ranch is robust and fulfilling. This wine excels with aromas and flavors of explosive ripe berries, apricot pits, and sandalwood. Try it with spicy Italian sausages, and be sure to include plenty of fennel. (Best Served: 2025-2032)
93 Decanter 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. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2033
93 Vinous 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.
92 James Suckling 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 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 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.
