2007 Ridge Vineyards, Syrah/Grenache, Lytton Estate, Dry Creek Valley.
This winery only red from Ridge is worth the trip to either Monte Bello or Lytton Springs, and it is a succulent full bodied wine that gives tons of pleasure. Interesting it was made by the Monte Bello winemaking team, and while it is rich and intense it does have that slightly more subtle touch that you find in the Monte Bello wines and it delivers beautiful fruit and depth with earthy complexities. The nose is full of red and black fruits, flowers, spice and touches of game and a nice mineral tone leading to much the same on the thick palate with blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry leading the way along with crushed stones, grenadine and wild herbs. The oak is very shy, perfectly softening the tannins and framing the wine without showcasing itself. There is touches of licorice, meat and liqueur and pepper that add to the mix in this American Rhone style wine that waves the California flag proudly, but pays homage to the old world all the same. This wine is super enjoyable and of top quality, I recommend grabbing a few bottles if you get to Ridge, or join their great wine club program to this and other intriguing wines that are not openly available outside the tasting room.
($ N/A) 93 Points, grapelive
