4/2/2024 - ptm wrote:

This is a remarkable Zin from Paso Robles.The balance of fruits, acidity, and finish are outstanding. I have just 2 bottles from Ridge's Z list, but I will have to augment this. This is a testimony to the outstanding grapes from Benito Dusi's vineyard.

10/17/2023 - The Drunken Cyclist Likes this wine:

Retail $95. Really Big. Ass. Bottle. 69% Grenache, 31% Syrah. This is now my second wine from this Paso producer and the heavy bottle seems to be a theme. The website indicates that this is the "flagship wine" of Linne Calodo and "embodies all that [they] strive for in blending". Medium crimson in the glass with a gorgeous nose of cherry and blackberry pie with a hint of à la mode. There is also a bit of spice and the slightest of herbal notes (sweet basil). The palate is loaded with big fruit, tons of fruit, but an intense acidity tempers it, and beneath all of that fruit, there are several layers of complexity, but patience is required to get there. Another big boy from winemaker Matt Trevisan and I would suggest putting this down for at least a couple of years as there are some grippy tannins to help this age as the fruit calms down a bit. That is unless you like big fruit and if that's the case? Grip it and rip it! 93 Points now, with a possible 94-95 in 3-5 years.

www.thedrunkencyclist.com

11/3/2015 - ptm Likes this wine:

This, as usual, is a very well-balanced wine by Steve Locke. The nose is a bit lacking, but you are rewarded with a very satisfying and rounded experience. I don't think this will hold much beyond the next year or so, but is definitely worth enjoying now.

10/10/2022 - wayne47 Does not like this wine:

We drink a LOT of Riojas and are partial to pure Tempranillo wines. Bought this on spec and we were very disappointed. With food, we thought it might be an ok $7 wine but it's $10 at TJ and overall disappointing. Pass.

3/25/2023 - tomlee wrote:

Bright crimson in color. 14.8% ABV. 97% Zinfandel and 3% Petite from Boatman Ranch situated on the border of Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys. Sublime nose of red fruits, anise and pepper. Medium body with mouth watering acidity. Structure and power in spades. Black cherry, raspberry, plums and bittersweet chocolate on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. One of those wines from Ridge that will age effortlessly. Best over the next 6-8 years.

12/6/2017 - Guy Des Rosiers Likes this wine:

This Zin cannot be accused of subtlety. It's big, purple, boozy, and packed with more fruit than Carmen Miranda's hat. The nose evokes baked bread, alcohol, blackstrap molasses, and raspberry coulis. The attack is off-dry, and the wonderfully pure fruit (raspberry, blackberry, and just about any other berry you can think of) knocks you down at the door like a lovable, slobbering St. Bernard. The oak is well under control, the acidity is balanced, the wine bears its massive alcoholic weight surprisingly well, and the length is impressive. But is it good? Well, if this note appeals to you so far, then yes, by all means, back up the truck. On the other hand, if this makes you cringe, then please go out and buy some Cornas. As for me, there's definitely a place in my heart for this type of big, in-your-face Zin, if I'm in the right kind of mood. And tonight I am.

4/13/2016 - Americana wrote:

Decanted 1.5 hrs. This is in its prime. Exquisite fruit on the palate, slight spice. Everything I love about Zinfandel. Strike while the iron's hot!

9/16/2017 - ptm Likes this wine:

This has developed beautifully. Well balanced, excellent fruit, lingering finish.

8/22/2017 - ptm Likes this wine:

Very well-rounded Rhone blend though it lacks some depth - surprisingly drinkable now and doubtful that it will last more than 5 years - would love to hear contrary opinions

4/24/2015 - wiscgrad Likes this wine:

Agree with the pros. This is delicious right now. Everything I like about ridge zin. A bit sweet but perfect patio wine.

4/27/2015 - pgb67 wrote:

Dark and richer than the typical Ridge, with notes of spicy pepper, blackberry and raspberry. Has picked up weight since I last tasted it in the fall - I had tabbed it as an early drinker then, but now I say hold.