Wine review: 2012 Ridge Vineyards ‘Benito Dusi Ranch’ Zinfandel

Made from a 90-year-old vineyard in Paso Robles, Ridge Vineyards 2012 “Benito Dusi Ranch” Zinfandel is stunningly good. Though this Zin has 14.8% alcohol, it’s so well balanced you really don’t notice the alcohol. Lush and full-bodied, this deep dark red is perfumed with cherries and plums and tastes of that fruit plus sweet spices, cracked black pepper and a touch of dried herbs. Tannins are there, but they are seamlessly integrated into this beautiful Central Coast Zin.

Break a bottle out for a special barbecue, with steak frites or grilled duck breast. Or pair it with a great burger. And don’t be shy about bringing this one to a dinner party. It can hold its own against reds at twice the price.

Region: Central Coast of California

Price: $25 to $29

Style: Lush and full-bodied

What it goes with: Barbecue, steak, duck breast, burgers

Where to find it: BestWinesOnline, (888) 817-8880; https://www.bestwinesonline.com; K&L Wine Merchants in Hollywood, (323) 464-9463, https://www.klwines.com; Total Wine & More at various locations, https://www.totalwine.com; the Wine Connection in San Diego, (877)667-9463, https://www.thewineconnection.com; Wine Exchange in Orange, (800) 76WINEX, https://www.winex.com; and the Wine House in West Los Angeles, (310) 479-3731, https://www.winehouse.com.

irene.virbila@latimes.com