Ridge "Essence" Benito Dusi Ranch Paso Robles Late Harvest Zinfandel 2017

With the 2017 Essence, it marks just the second time in a decade Ridge got the vintage conditions necessary for Essence. This one from the famed Benito Dusi Ranch in Paso Robles, and is 100% Zinfandel. Picked at a super-ripe 38.1 brix, the natural fermentation stopped at 14.7% abv, the wine finished in untoasted, previously used American oak barrels for 11 months. Deep garnet red color. Aromas of sundried cherries, candied plums, and exotic barrel spice. Opulent entry, black cherries, gravelly earth, full-bodied, lively acid, and a wonderfully long. sweet finish. Capable of aging a further ten years.