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.
It's a date
Get our L.A. Goes Out newsletter, with the week's best events, to help you explore and experience our city.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.