Tasting Note                          

93            1999 Ridge Lytton Springs 11/12/04 ($28)

Color: Very deep garnet with no clearing or onion skin. (4.0) Bouquet: Rich blackberry and sweet cassis with integrated, prominent cedar/cigarbox. Dense, but classy. (3.0) Body: Concentrated fruit with tannin and acidity meeting. Still needs time for tannin and cedar to mellow, but well-balanced, nonetheless. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but cedar is more prominent and PS fruit adds a little rustic austerity. (2.5) Finish: Parallels flavor with a touch of austerity from cedary tannins. Still long and tasty. (3.0)
Overall: This is greatness just waiting to happen. It hasn’t developed much since the last time I tasted it more than 2 years ago. PS plays a prominent role (even at 17%) giving it great bottom for longevity. Try again in 2-3 years. My only worry is that the new oak flavors may become more bitter with age, but the combination of concentrated fruit and balance at this point is encouraging. (16.0)