1995 Dusi Ranch Zinfandel

Each year we delay harvesting a small part of the Dusi Vineyard, to over-ripen the grapes for a Zinfandel Essence. Conditions must be such as to take the fruit from a normal 24° sugar to approaching 40°. This happens, at best, every two or three years. In 1995 the grapes reached 26°, and it was clear they would not ripen further. This very ripe, intensely fruity wine is enjoyable now, and will be at its best over the next four to five 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: 88.8

No. of Tasting Notes: 6

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