1996 Lytton Estate Grenache

Ridge made its first grenache/zinfandel in 1993, from the oldest vines on these vineyards. For three years, grenache has made up about half the wine. This year the younger vines were mature enough to be included, and grenache dominates the blend. Picked at ideal ripeness, the grapes were fermented with natural yeast, and a floating cap of skin pumped over daily. Roughly twenty percent of the wine was aged in new, air-dried american oak, and the rest in three-year-old barrels from the same Missouri cooper. The perfumed nose, forward raspberry fruit, and elegant structure are most appealing. This lovely wine will be at its best over the next four to five years.

Since 1962, Ridge has championed single-vineyard winemaking, searching California for those rare vineyards where climate, soil, and varietal are ideally matched. Using traditional methods and minimal handling, we strive to produce exceptional wines from superior and distinctive fruit.

Average Rating: 89.2

No. of Tasting Notes: 6

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