Monthly Spotlight

Each month we spotlight one of our small-production, single-vineyard wines with a deep dive into the vineyard location, property history, wine style and pairing preferences. This month, our monthly spotlight is…

2023 Benito Dusi Zinfandel

10% off 1-11 bottle purchases, 15% off 12+.  Members receive 15% off 1-11 bottle purchases, 20% off 12+.

TASTING NOTE

Deep purple color, jammy raspberry aroma with notes of pepper and licorice. On the palate, medium-to-full bodied, supple tannins, plentiful red fruit balanced by ample acidity. JO (2/25)

WINEMAKER VIDEO

VINEYARD LOCATION

Three miles south of Paso Robles, within the Templeton Gap district

HISTORY

The zinfandel on this Paso Robles ranch was planted in 1923. The property was purchased soon after by Sylvester and Catarina Dusi, who raised three sons there—Guido, Dante, and Benito. When Guido and Dante went to war in 1944, vineyard cultivation was left to Sylvester and young Benito—eleven years old at the time. Beni, as his many friends call him, maintained the vines from then on. Ridge’s long relationship with Beni and the Dusi vineyard began when Dave Bennion—scouting the area in 1967— knocked on the Dusis’ door and asked to buy five tons of grapes.

FOOD PAIRING

Grilled Hanger Steak Quesadillas

RECENT PRESS

OwenBargreen.com – 96 Points

“Bottled in December 2024, the 2023 ‘Benito Dusi’ Zinfandel comes from these ancient vines which are over 100 years of age. On the nose this takes on smoky accents that meld well with red currants and wild blackberry. This is marvelously concentrated on the palate with gorgeous black fruits, Satsuma orange zest, tilled earth and chocolate tones that mingle well with salty and stony soils, with hints of diatomaceous earth. Drink 2025-2040.” -Owen Bargreen (June 2025)

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