CONNOISSEURS GUIDE REVIEW: If as usual among the more forward and accessible of the many Ridge Zinfandels, the Dusi Vineyard bottling is, in this vintage, a bit deeper in fruit and better balanced than is often the case. It is loaded with well-defined and juicy berry-like fruit and is more rounded in feel than it is soft, and its carefully fit acids lend a nice lift to its lingering finish, and, while it can comfortably hold for a couple of years, it is a tasty drink now perfectly matched to sundry barbecued fare.

WINE SPECTATOR RATING: 91

WINE SPECTATOR REVIEW: Complex and zesty, offering a distinctive sense of place. Lively wild raspberry and spicy dill aromas open to crisp, layered and supple stewed plum, licorice and coconut-tinged oak flavors. The tannins are appealingly rustic.

Description

After two wet winters, 2007 was considerably drier; these struggling eighty five-year-old vines set a small crop. Summer heat accentuated water stress, and we harvested in late August to avoid over-ripening. The clusters—small, and with tiny berries, were destemmed and crushed as separate parcels to submerged-cap tanks for natural-yeast fermentation. This gentle approach produced balanced tannins and moderate color. We pressed on day six, and included press fractions for depth of color and added richness. The uninoculated secondary, slow to start, finished quickly, allowing us to put the lots to barrel by year's end. At spring rack, when clear wine is separated from the sediment, we selected four of the five, and bottled early to maintain the balance of fresh fruit and oak. Enjoyable now, this appealing Paso Robles will be at its best over the next four to five years.

Product Specifications