RIDGE CALIFORNIA ZINFANDEL PASO ROBLES - 2003

From Paso Robles in San Luis Obispo Country this 14.8% alcohol Zinfandel was bottled in November of 2004. Ridge has been making Zinfandel from Dusi Ranch since 1967 and it is their only Central Coast vineyard. The wine spent 13 months in air-dried American oak which adds some spice.

TASTING NOTES:

Made from 100% Zinfandel, this wine is so lush that when it first hits your tongue you'll swear it is Cabernet Sauvignon. When the finish reveals itself, it is clearly Zin with pepper and spice. The mid-palate is full of plum, licorice, earth, dried herbs, and creme.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

90 PTS
Ridge has always been a master of blending varietals, yet this pure Zinfandel is tremendous. Silky with firm acidity, ripe fruit and a spiced pepper finish it is about as good as Zin gets. Retails at $25 a bottle which amounts to pennies per luxurious sip after sip. Visit Ridge Vineyards.