This well-priced single-vineyard Zinfandel just begs for local lamb chops and good company. Chocolate covered cherries and spices waft up from the glass. Big on the palate, this leads with black and red fruit, blackberries and raspberries, with a background of dark chocolate. Still tight half an hour after opening, it moves quickly to tart raspberry and with chocolate, peppers and cinnamon. Pepper and red fruit linger. After more time to open, at least an hour, fruits get more open and round and hints of licorice add to the mix. Tannins are round, grit free, and ready for well marbled red meat. Drink with lamb chops. Highly Recommended. 89 points. DBH
WHO: Ridge Vineyards
WHAT: Zinfandel
WHEN: 2016
DESIGNATION: Benito Dusi Ranch Vineyard
WHERE: Paso Robles, California
HOW MUCH: $33 (media sample)
POINTS: 89