Ridge Vineyards Paso Robles Zinfandel

HISTORY: Benito Dusi’s Ranch is the only vineyard in the Central Coast Viticultural Area from which we source grapes. Our Monte Bello vineyards are in the Santa Cruz Mountains Viticultural Area which is not a part of the Central Coast. The 1967 vintage was our fi rst wine from the Dusi Ranch. It was planted to zinfandel in 1922 which is unusual because Prohibition had started two years earlier. Purchased by Sylvester and Catarina Dusi in 1924 the property has been farmed since the 1940s by their son Benito the owner. GROWING SEASON: Rainfall: 6 inches (half of normal) Bloom: Late May Weather: Very dry winter & spring. In July monsoon rains dropped 2-3 that helped save the small crop. VINTAGE: Fermentation: 100% natural primary and secondary fermentation; 100% fl oating cap; pressed at seven days. Barrels: 100% air-dried american oak barrels; 80% two years old 20% three years old). Aging: Fourteen months in barrel WINEMAKING: Benito Dusi Vineyard grapes hand-harvested; des