This inky blend of Petit Verdot and Tannat is bright and bold with a punch of bright plum. Dark cherry and winter spice consume the mid-palate. A broad tannin finish with a lasting impression of cacao nib.
The Vineyard
The vineyard at J Dusi Winery is located in the Templeton Gap AVA. This vineyard was planted specifically for the J Dusi Wine program with a vast selection of wine varietals to create a “spice rack” for winemaker, Janell Dusi. These vines are farmed for fewer pounds per plant to ultimately create a high-quality product. This vineyard was planted in 2013 and is farmed by the Dusi Family.
Winemaking
Janell Dusi is the proprietor and winemaker, specializing in Zinfandel. She is a 4th generation farmer who is the first of the family to go beyond farming to produce wines from the Dusi Vineyards. She honors her heritage by winemaking in the most native form; handpicking, hand sorting, and stomping her wines by foot. Her signature style is continued with non-invasive wine handling and gentle barrel aging. A combination of new French and American oak, juvenile barrels are rounded out with neutral barrels to create wines that respect and reveal the wine’s natural varietal characteristics
Bringing J Dusi into the public realm of the wine industry has been a lifelong dream for me. I grew up living on the vineyard, participating in grape farming, and begging for my Grandfather to teach me the winemaking process.
My first vintage was when I was sixteen. My Grandfather guided me through the process from the recollection of the days when his family ran the original “Dusi Winery” back in the '50s. I learned, from him, the REAL Italian way to make wine, which happened to be a slight variation of today’s California-style wines.
My Great-Grandparents, Sylvester and Caterina Dusi settled into Paso Robles in the early twenties. They had three sons; Guido, Dante, and Benito Dusi. They were active proprietors in many local businesses including vineyards, farming, restaurants, and Dusi Winery. I was born and raised in the vineyard that my Grandfather Dante, his father, and two brothers planted in 1945. As vineyards were rare in the area at that time, Zinfandel was the Italian varietal of choice. They implemented the farming practices of head-pruned vines and no irrigation, dry farming. Today, 65 years later, we still carry on their farming traditions and uphold one of the areas most loved vineyards. Dusi grapes can be found in some of the most sought after Zinfandels in Paso Robles.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
2020 J. Dusi The Other Brother
I got a notification from UPS that a package was coming on 05/23, so I checked with Alice. Sure enough, she shipped me a mystery bottle. Thank you. Since I always use Hold At Location, I picked it up at the UPS store as soon as it arrived. Inside the box was a 2020 J. Dusi, The Other Brother (62% Petit Verdot, 38% Tannat).
I was vaguely familiar with both varietals, but did a little extra research anyway. PV, in general, has notes of blueberry, cherry, plum, cassis and spice. Tannat has notes of raspberry, blueberry, smokiness and spice.
On to the tasting, on 05/24 at 10am, mind you. The cork came out easily and was marked with 2020 and “KILLED THE BOTTLE WITH…” (LOL) Using a large Bordeaux glass, a check of the color revealed dark, dark burgundy with no transparency. Long narrow legs quickly cascaded down the sides. The first aromas were of plum, other dark berry fruits and dark cherry. The first flavors were of unripened plum, raspberry and cherry, with a bit of citrus peel in the background. The tannins were very dry and some mild acidity was present. I once heard a wine critic say, “Uncork the bottle before you go to work, don’t decant it and you’ll be rewarded when you get home.” So, I let it sit until dinner, which was around 7pm.
Since I knew this was a big wine, I prepared grilled New York Strip steaks, smashed potatoes and oven roasted brussel sprouts (with a little garlic and bacon). This new tasting revealed more dark fruits, think plum, blackberry, maybe boysenberry, and a little dark chocolate. The tannins are velvety smooth now and there are no signs of unripened fruit or citrus peel. Overall, this is delicious. The bottle emptied quickly, need I say more?
We usually drink CS, merlot, syrah, super Tuscans, etc. So, this was right in our flavor liking profile. I could see pairing this with other meaty dishes, like lamb, pot roast, ribs, etc. Everything prepared for dinner paired well with this wine. I hope that this review was helpful. I have no idea what Wine David will offer this at, but my usual buy rule stands. Can you get a wine at this price at the grocery store that is equal or better? Cheers!!!
(Post posting. That price is crazy. $16 and change.)
Question for Janell Dusi - and I may have asked this before, so here goes, with the 20% American oak, is the oak predominant? Disclosure, I buy a case of Dusi every time it shows on Casemates, but just don’tlike that American “toasty oak.” So much history and now, so much present with Dusi Ranch/J Dusi
@jmdavidson1 thank you for the great write up - and your comments about the oak. No need for a winemaker response after that. I just ordered a case. I never play favorites, but drinking Dusi Ranch Zins made by Paul Draper and Lary Turley over the years, J Dusi has a huge soft spot. Love her wines. Thanks again
Hello all,
The varietals in this blend can stand up and handle the oak… in my opinion. You are getting more of the fruit tannin and richness of the fruit itself rather than any new oak essence. Hope you enjoy!
1-2. 1-2. Wait. It’s not a Pasa Doble, it comes From Pasa Robles! This deep and silky red hints on dark chocolate and is very berry forward. Tart yet smoother than Duke Ellington. Pulled from the cooler at 56F this red is wonderful. It went perfectly with a thunderstormy evening and Greys Anatomy. I’m in for two, these are perfect for at home date night! Don’t pass this one up, it truly is that good.
I can’t answer for the winery, but I was not picking up oak, vanilla or toastiness. Perhaps they didn’t use new oak. The smooth tannins were probably from the barrels however.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2020 J Dusi “The Other Brother” Red Blend - $100 = 33.32%
If this blend is just as good as “The Don” I bought a little while back then everyone will be happy they bought it. As J Dusi is auto buy for me I really hate to pass on offer but traveling during delivery window. I was really hoping with summer coming if they came with an offer it would be their Pinot Grigio…maybe again sometime.
@dawnlac@JDusiWines If such a PG ever shows up on this site I would surely want it. Or even a mixed case PG + various red. Some people like to stock up on uniform cases but I enjoy a chance to try different things (at case price).
@dawnlac Update…Not missing out… Bought a case to ship to a friend while I travel Thank you Jenell…btw did you enjoy our beautiful Sarasota during corks & forks?
2020 J Dusi The Other Brother Red Blend
Tasting Notes
The Vineyard
Winemaking
Specs
What’s Included
2-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$576.00/Case for 2020 J Dusi The Other Brother Red Blend at J. Dusi Wines
Not for sale on winery website, $216/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Jun 17 - Thursday, Jun 20
2020 J Dusi “The Other Brother” Red Blend
2 bottles for $49.99 $25/bottle + $4/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $199.99 $16.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2020 J. Dusi The Other Brother
I got a notification from UPS that a package was coming on 05/23, so I checked with Alice. Sure enough, she shipped me a mystery bottle. Thank you. Since I always use Hold At Location, I picked it up at the UPS store as soon as it arrived. Inside the box was a 2020 J. Dusi, The Other Brother (62% Petit Verdot, 38% Tannat).
I was vaguely familiar with both varietals, but did a little extra research anyway. PV, in general, has notes of blueberry, cherry, plum, cassis and spice. Tannat has notes of raspberry, blueberry, smokiness and spice.
On to the tasting, on 05/24 at 10am, mind you. The cork came out easily and was marked with 2020 and “KILLED THE BOTTLE WITH…” (LOL) Using a large Bordeaux glass, a check of the color revealed dark, dark burgundy with no transparency. Long narrow legs quickly cascaded down the sides. The first aromas were of plum, other dark berry fruits and dark cherry. The first flavors were of unripened plum, raspberry and cherry, with a bit of citrus peel in the background. The tannins were very dry and some mild acidity was present. I once heard a wine critic say, “Uncork the bottle before you go to work, don’t decant it and you’ll be rewarded when you get home.” So, I let it sit until dinner, which was around 7pm.
Since I knew this was a big wine, I prepared grilled New York Strip steaks, smashed potatoes and oven roasted brussel sprouts (with a little garlic and bacon). This new tasting revealed more dark fruits, think plum, blackberry, maybe boysenberry, and a little dark chocolate. The tannins are velvety smooth now and there are no signs of unripened fruit or citrus peel. Overall, this is delicious. The bottle emptied quickly, need I say more?
We usually drink CS, merlot, syrah, super Tuscans, etc. So, this was right in our flavor liking profile. I could see pairing this with other meaty dishes, like lamb, pot roast, ribs, etc. Everything prepared for dinner paired well with this wine. I hope that this review was helpful. I have no idea what Wine David will offer this at, but my usual buy rule stands. Can you get a wine at this price at the grocery store that is equal or better? Cheers!!!
(Post posting. That price is crazy. $16 and change.)
@jmdavidson1 Almost forgot. Order in. Thanks to +1.
@jmdavidson1 In for a second case.
Question for Janell Dusi - and I may have asked this before, so here goes, with the 20% American oak, is the oak predominant? Disclosure, I buy a case of Dusi every time it shows on Casemates, but just don’tlike that American “toasty oak.” So much history and now, so much present with Dusi Ranch/J Dusi
@Leatherchair See my comment 2 down.
@jmdavidson1 thank you for the great write up - and your comments about the oak. No need for a winemaker response after that. I just ordered a case. I never play favorites, but drinking Dusi Ranch Zins made by Paul Draper and Lary Turley over the years, J Dusi has a huge soft spot. Love her wines. Thanks again
@Leatherchair
Hello all,
The varietals in this blend can stand up and handle the oak… in my opinion. You are getting more of the fruit tannin and richness of the fruit itself rather than any new oak essence. Hope you enjoy!
1-2. 1-2. Wait. It’s not a Pasa Doble, it comes From Pasa Robles! This deep and silky red hints on dark chocolate and is very berry forward. Tart yet smoother than Duke Ellington. Pulled from the cooler at 56F this red is wonderful. It went perfectly with a thunderstormy evening and Greys Anatomy. I’m in for two, these are perfect for at home date night! Don’t pass this one up, it truly is that good.
I can’t answer for the winery, but I was not picking up oak, vanilla or toastiness. Perhaps they didn’t use new oak. The smooth tannins were probably from the barrels however.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2020 J Dusi “The Other Brother” Red Blend - $100 = 33.32%
If this blend is just as good as “The Don” I bought a little while back then everyone will be happy they bought it. As J Dusi is auto buy for me I really hate to pass on offer but traveling during delivery window
. I was really hoping with summer coming if they came with an offer it would be their Pinot Grigio…maybe again sometime.
@dawnlac I loved the Don as well.
@dawnlac The Don is always a fan favorite, beside the Zin and PG of course! New vintage of Pinot Grigio just hit the tasting room too!
@dawnlac @JDusiWines If such a PG ever shows up on this site I would surely want it. Or even a mixed case PG + various red. Some people like to stock up on uniform cases but I enjoy a chance to try different things (at case price).
@dawnlac Update…Not missing out… Bought a case to ship to a friend while I travel
Thank you Jenell…btw did you enjoy our beautiful Sarasota during corks & forks?
@dawnlac @JDusiWines @pmarin agreed. I would love a mixed case offering! Or a mystery offering
Anybody in NJ want to split a case?
Anyone in Boston/CAMBRIDGE want to split a case?
Anyone in NoVA want to split a case?
@dkrupps of you ended up ordering anyway and wanted to split… let me know.
My friggin’ Casemate wouldn’t split a case; that greedy “expletive deleted”.
That’s recommendation enough for me.
In for a case.
Who has this coming to Camden County, MO?
Just got this today in Maine. Wow delicious!!