Another of the three Ridge Zinfandels I've tried, the Paso Robles is stout, rugged, yet refined, but not quite as nice as Lytton Springs. This bottle is also made from the Dusi Ranch grapes (see also Ridge Dusi Ranch, reviewed in September) and retains the strength of all wines I've tried from the region. The nose contains dark earth, raisins, and wild red fruits. Black pepper is noticeable upon first sip, telling you that this is a large zin with much character. But the sometimes overzealous sting of zin is absent here. It's a zin alright, but not overly so.
It's fruity and juicy like an overripe plum. I don't get the long long finish that some of my favorite zins deliver, but this one is still an overall delight. Ridge's finest offerings are nearly impossible to obtain outside of the vineyard, so revel in this one.
T-Scale 90. Available and affordable at $25.00. Probably could use another year or two in the bottle for best showing, but no slouch now.
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