WTN: Barney Robles

[David M. Bueker]

• 2019 Ridge Zinfandel Paso Robles - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (5/16/2021)
  I don’t remember the last vintage I tasted of the Ridge Paso Robles. My mistake. This is lovely, in a lusher than usual, but still recognizably Ridge style. What really strikes me is a distinctive cracked black pepper element that anchors the wine. I don’t think I would age this, as the alcohol is not exactly shy, but there’s an easy, fun character that makes it a Ridge for now, versus the Ridge for later of Geyserville and Lytton Springs.

[Jenise]

Encouraging note. I basically avoid everything Paso--just can't take the ripeness and high abv--so would not have picked this up on my own even though my bias is against the growing area, not the producer.