Jay Kline

9.2

From a double-magnum. The 2012 “Il Carbonaione” pours a deep garnet color with a translucent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing and initially reticent. After almost an hour of air, the bouquet emerged to reveal some funky cherry, red flowers, bergamot, horse blanket, green herbs, old wood and dry earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish is medium+. After plenty of air, this became really tasty stuff but the large format has really retarded the aging process. Similar bottles likely need well into the next decade to enter the zone. Killer with food. — 6 days ago

Mark S.

9.0

Dark cherry red. oak vanilla clove cinnamon nutmeg. Jammy raspberry, blueberry and cherry. roasted. Dried plum.
New barrel 15% Fruitiness M+ Sweetness M+ Acidity M Tannin M Body M++ Finish M+ 14.5% Zinfandel, from Dry creek valley 19 @10000, AD, 251210 — 8 days ago

Brendan Wright

9.3

Dark red pomegranate, mushroom, bramble, light, enough acid to counter light tannins. Excellent cab. — 5 days ago

Ely Cohn

9.1

Feels like it hasn't evolved much, just softened a bit. Earthy, viscous, lingering primary notes.

Fleshy cherry and cedar with soft tannins and minerals to think a little bit about. — 4 days ago

joy horn

9.9

Bought at Pine Orchard 11/25 $70 after tasting at Ridge in 10/25. Less expensive here. The 2023 is rated at 100 pts. Absolutely delicious. Floral aromas, lightly crisp, subtle oak, smooth finish. — 3 days ago

Steve Mitchell

9.3

One of my favorite current releases from Ridge in 2025. Alexander Valley always produces grapes we like and this one doesn’t disappoint. — 3 days ago

Almarie

10

Dangerously smooth, creamy, dark, light and at the same time dense. The smell is out standing. Doesn’t feel strong at all — 5 days ago

Jeroen Koenen

9.3

Music ‘n Magnum tasting.
🎶Supertramp - Breakfast in America — 18 days ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.5

Vintage 2010 | Bottled elegance and finesse | paired with veal cheeke stew and frites — 5 days ago

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. — a month ago