2004 Ridge Zinfandel Lytton Springs

($33; 79% zinfandel, with 18% petite sirah and 3% carignane) Bright ruby. High-toned aromas of blackberry and fruitcake. Juicy, creamy-sweet and firmly built, with terrific intensity of tangy berry fruit. High-toned, youthful and firmly tannic wine with a piquant finishing flavor of pomegranate.

Author: Stephen Tanzer

Issue: September/October 2006

The famed 2004 Zinfandel Lytton Springs (a 12,000-case blend of 79% Zinfandel, 18% Petite Sirah, and 3% Carignane) tips the scales at 14.5% alcohol. This elegantly-styled Zin reveals a dark ruby/purple color, notes of crushed rocks, black raspberries, and sweet oak, a distinctive minerality, sweet fruit, decent acidity, wonderful definition as well as freshness, and an excellent, long finish. Drink it over the next 5-7 years. This venerable producer, with as fine a track record as any winery in the world, continues to turn out high quality Zinfandels.

Author: Robert Parker