2016, 2017, 2019 Ridge Vineyards Paso Robles Zinfandel

“Quiet classic with aromas of spiced red-plum compote and brown tea, baking spices and plum cake, as well as red flowers. The palate has a very smooth and plush array of nutty, ripe tannins that carry bright red fruit into the finish. Pure zinfandel. Drink or hold.” (10/2018)

“The 2016 Zinfandel Paso Robles is lovely, wafting from the glass with aromas of ripe blackberries, plum preserves and rich spices. On the palate, it's full-bodied, lavish and velvety, with an ample core of ripe, sun-kissed fruit, lovely purity and a sweet, lingering finish. As ever, this is one of the very finest Zinfandels produced in the region, and its naked, effortless style should be a beacon for other producers to follow. It derives from the Benito Dusi Ranch, which is visible from Route 101 as you drive through Paso Robles. Ridge produced their first vintage from this site in 1967. (WK)” (05/2018)

“The 2016 Zinfandel Benito Dusi Ranch is gorgeous in the way it melds together the richness of Paso Robles with the freshness and energy that are such Ridge signatures. Ripe dark cherry, plum, leather, licorice and spice notes infuse this succulent, inviting Zinfandel. The 2016 was done with submerged cap maceration, which gives the wine a super-classic feel. (AG)” (06/2018)

“Appealingly old-school, with briary black cherry and smoky pepper beef flavors. A whiff of coconut helps build zestiness on the long finish. (TF)” (10/2018)

“The 2016 Zinfandel Paso Robles comes all from the Benito Dusi Ranch Vineyard and has textbook notes of red and black currants, cedarwood, dried flowers, and herbes de Provence. It's medium-bodied, charming, and elegant on the palate, and opens up nicely with time in the glass. It offers plenty of pleasure...” (06/2018)

“Tasted from barrel, the 2017 Zinfandel Paso Robles is also very promising, offering up youthful primary aromas of ripe cherries and currants. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and succulent, with melting tannins and a pure, juicy, fruit-driven profile. In 2017, Ridge was able to pick their entire block of the Benito Dusi vineyard in one go, meaning that all the grapes arrived at the Monte Bello winery the day that they were harvested, and that will also be the practice going forward. While the Paso Zinfandel is never the most complex of Ridge's Zinfandels, it's inordinately appealing for its generous expression of Zinfandel fruit. (WK)” (05/2018)

“The 2017 Zinfandel Paso Robles is a bigger, richer wine compared to the Dry Creek Release, and its deep purple color is followed by tons of sweet blueberry, mulberry, brambly herbs, and cigar wrapper notes. Rich, medium to full-bodied, sweetly fruited, and with ripe tannins, this is one sexy Zinfandel that can be drunk today or cellared for 10-15 years.” (06/2019)

“The 2017 Paso Robles Zinfandel is super-expressive from the outset. A burst of aromatic intensity and finesse is hugely enticing. Sweet floral notes and bright red/purplish berry fruit are nicely pushed forward, with a kick of Paso Robles acidity that adds character. (AG)” (10/2019)

“Briary and rustic yet appealing for the deep blackberry, mineral and savory underbrush accents that build toward broad-shouldered tannins. (TF)” (06/2019)

“Soft and round with dried fruit, light raisin and pepper. Some chocolate, too. It’s medium-bodied, juicy and flavorful. Spicy finish. Pure zin.” (03/2021)

“Sleek and multilayered, with dynamic yet elegant raspberry, grilled fennel and cracked pepper flavors that build structure and richness on the long finish. (TF)” (06/2021)

“Lots of plums, cigar wrapper, candied violets, and flowery incense notes emerge from the 2019 Zinfandel Paso Robles. It's a ripe yet seamless, sexy Zinfandel from Paso Robles that has sweet tannins, a wonderful sense of weightlessness, and outstanding length.” (07/2021)

“The 2019 Zinfandel Paso Robles, the second selection from Benito Dusi is a gorgeous Paso wine. It possesses copious blue and black fruit, licorice, cloves and chocolate, all in a lush, inviting style that is impossible to resist. It is one of the more extroverted wines in this range. I loved it. (AG)” (03/2022)

“There's a lavish density of dark fruit on the nose of this bottling as well as hints of smoke and wood. The blackberry flavors of the palate are well focused, upheld by firm tannins and tight acidity, with light herbs coming through on the fresh, vibrant finish. (MK)” (09/2021)