Ridge California Lytton Springs Zinfandel

I have had this bottle stashed in my wine cabinet for a few months now....sort of saving it for a special event. So what is more special than having a night off, enjoying the weather, and cooking outside on the grill. The 2006 Ridge California Lytton Springs Zinfandel is a blend of Zinfandel (80%), Petite Sirah (16%), and Carignane (4%) grapes from Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma Valley, California. This wine was aged 15 months in 100% air-dried american oak barrels (20% new; 55% one, two and three years old; and 25% four and five years old). This Zinfandel had an alcohol level of 14.7% and sealed with natural cork.

The Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel has a rich, opaque purple color. On the nose were anise, ripe raspberry, plum, black pepper, blackberry, all spice, clove, nutmeg, dill, stewed dark fruit, jammed blackberry, and vanilla. On the palate were hints of blackberry, anise, vanilla, browned sugar, ripe black plum, raspberry, dark cherry, nutmeg, clove, and fresh pine cone. This wine had ample tannins with a beautiful long finish. Overall, a wonderful Zinfandel.