91+(?) 2010 Ridge Lytton Springs (Dry Creek Valley) 12/3/12 ($32)
67% Zinfandel, 23% PetiteSirah, 7% Carignane, 3% Mataro 14.4% alc
Color: Deep purple garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Briar, petrol and eucalyptus complement rich blackberry and boysenberry fruit. (3.0) Body: Heavyweight with excellent fruit, acidity and tannins that coat the mouth. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but not as expressive at this point. (3.0) Finish: Briar and tannins linger. (3.0)
Overall: If the East Bench is young, this is a baby. Classically structured with loads of smooth tannins that should allow it to age gracefully over the next 10 years, but is somewhat unformed and hard to judge at this point. In contrast, the East Bench is more racy and accessible. Rich, concentrated blackberry and boysenberry fruit do make this drinkable though. A heavyweight with prevalent briar, petrol and eucalyptus nuances. Classic Lytton Springs, but certainly not charming at present. (15.5)
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