1998 Dusi Ranch Zinfandel

In this latest of all growing seasons, we did not begin to harvest the old vines on Dusi Ranch until early October. First picked was the North Block, which was set aside for this Advance Tasting Program release. The grapes were very ripe; they were held submerged during fermentation for a total of ten days before pressing. Aged for twelve months in one- and two year- old air-dried american oak, this full, rich wine will be at its best over the next five or six years.

The zinfandel on this Paso Robles ranch was planted in 1923. It 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.

Average Rating: 93

No. of Tasting Notes: 1

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