⏱ 1 min read
The Short Version
Ridge’s 2023 Zinfandels burst with sharp, youthful tannins and red fruit intensity, while the 2018 Paso Robles reveals layered complexity and softened structure, a testament to time’s transformative power.
There’s a quiet tension at Ridge Vineyards, where the 2023 vintages arrive with a sense of urgency, their youth unmistakable, while the 2018 Paso Robles lingers with the weight of time, its flavors fully realized. The contrast is stark: one bottle offers immediate pleasure, the other a slow unraveling of depth.
The 2018 Paso Robles was already showing complexity, with tannins smoothed by time and flavors that lingered like a whispered secret.
The 2023s: A Tug-of-War Between Youth and Structure
The 2023 Ridge Zinfandels displayed a fierce commitment to fermentation, with the Ponzo bottling revealing a metallic nose and a light, almost skeletal frame. Red fruits hovered on the edge of intensity, tannins sharp and unyielding, the wine still finding its footing. The Benito Dusi showed more nuance, balancing iron, bramble, and a faint undercurrent of something unresolved—a C+ with promise.
The 2018 Paso Robles: A Masterclass in Patience
The 2018, by contrast, was a revelation. Its nose carried herbal prunes and oyster sauce, a blend of spice and soil that felt like it had been aged in the earth itself. The palate was already layered, with tannins softened by time and flavors that lingered like a whispered secret.
The 2018 Paso Robles was already showing complexity, with tannins smoothed by time and flavors that lingered like a whispered secret.
The 2023s are all about now, while the 2018 reflects the wisdom of waiting. Climate change and evolving viticultural practices have shaped these stylistic differences, with the 2023s reflecting warmer conditions and more aggressive winemaking, while the 2018s embody the restraint of a drier, more traditional era. Which bottle will you chase?
Questions & Answers
How do the 2023 Ridge Zinfandels compare to the 2018 Paso Robles?
The 2023 Ridge Zinfandels are youthful and structured, with sharp tannins and red fruit notes, while the 2018 Paso Robles is aged and complex, offering softened tannins and layered flavors. The 2023s reflect warmer conditions and aggressive winemaking, whereas the 2018s embody a more traditional, restrained style.
What makes the 2018 Paso Robles stand out?
The 2018 Paso Robles stands out for its herbal prunes, oyster sauce notes, and a palate layered with time-softened tannins. Its flavors linger like a whispered secret, showcasing the wisdom of patience and the evolution of Ridge’s winemaking over time.
Why are the 2023 Ridge Zinfandels described as skeletal?
The 2023 Ridge Zinfandels are described as skeletal due to their sharp, unyielding tannins and light frame, with red fruits hovering on the edge of intensity. The Ponzo bottling, in particular, exhibits a metallic nose and a sense of urgency, reflecting the youthful energy of the vintage.
How has climate change influenced the Ridge 2023s?
Climate change has influenced the Ridge 2023s by contributing to warmer conditions and more aggressive winemaking, resulting in wines that are youthful and structured. This contrasts with the 2018s, which reflect a drier, more traditional era with a focus on restraint and patience.
Originally reported by Reddit Wine.
