Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs Estate 2023 (14.4%)

A 2023 red wine from Ridge Vineyards, from Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County, California. It is a traditional field blend of 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro. The wine is produced from 100% organically grown estate grapes and fermented without added industrial yeasts or enzymes. Ridge follows a pre-industrial winemaking philosophy, relying on natural primary and secondary fermentations with native yeasts and minimal intervention. It shows a dark crimson or deep garnet colour, with raspberry, black pepper, licorice and subtle vanilla on the nose, plus potpourri and sandalwood. The palate has black cherry, plum and marionberry fruit, supple tannins, bright acidity and stony minerality, with a long, layered finish of garrigue, dried herbs and black tea.