Lytton Estate Dry Creek Valley Syrah Viognier

Haven’t opened a lot of Ridge lately but, have over my life. Still have not opened a bad bottle of Ridge. Not even one corked.

I also learned a long time ago, never open Ridge reds young.

The nose reveals, ruby, candied, spice driven, floral fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries & creamy raspberries. White pepper, dark, medium spice, anise to black licorice, vanilla, clove, touch of nutmeg, alcohol vapors, mixed berry cola, dark, rich, turned earth, grey volcanics, limestone, dry, crushed rocks with bright, candied; dark, red, purple & blue florals framed with in soft field of violets & lavender.

The palate is rounding up to its peak but, it is still ascending. The tension, structure, length & balance have started their prime integration. The tannins have round, tarry, meaty baby teeth. Ruby, candied, spice driven, floral fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries & creamy raspberries. White pepper, dark, medium spice, anise to black licorice, vanilla, clove, touch of nutmeg, alcohol vapors, mixed berry cola, sweet tarriness, used, French expresso grounds, moist clay, warm, well done toast, touch herbaceous tree sap with bark, eucalyptus, some mint, dark, rich, turned earth, grey volcanics, limestone, dry, crushed rocks & top soil, oak barrel shavings with bright, candied; dark, red, purple & blue florals framed with in soft field of violets & lavender. The acidity is round & refreshing. The long, well balanced, ruby, lush, elegant finish loads as juicy fruits rounding into a great combination of earth & spice persisting for days.

Not quite the perfect pizza pairing but, the evening was put together last minute & I wanted to open the 97 Phelps Syrah. This was my back up bottle in case the 97 hadn’t held up. Somehow, the Ridge got opened as well. I hate it when that happens.

Wow. Well developed showing signs of anise and cooking spices. Violets and blackberries still very present. Could lay down for at least 5 more years. Had a little fight with the cork but all is well!

Even the non-wine drinkers were impressed. Stupendous. #syrah #hopr

Great Syrah with 7% Viognier coferment.

Absolutely stunning; velvet textured tannins, round mouthfeel, wonderful fruit presentation. Prime drinking window!

Exquisite, deep vegetal nose, fat, luscious mouth, spice and broad fruit. Perfectly aged.

An outstanding wine with bramble and boysenberry notes. Lots of deep plum on the finish. Structure is amazing- still a bold Syrah.

Drank at the perfect time. Opened last year and was still restrained. Showing at full potential now.

Big Cali Syrah drinking nicely! Was not nearly as advanced as I thought it would be...in fact, very primary for a wine approaching 10 years...only hints of secondary earthy notes to compliment heaps of dark fruit and baking spices. Soft tannins and a long peppery finish make this full-bodied wine a winner...certainly amongst the best of its kind from Dry Creek. Syrah with 8% Viognier.

Jeffrey had this 8 years ago