2003 Lytton Estate Syrah
91% syrah, 9% viognier

14.8% alcohol

Their Chardonnay was the wine spectator #2 wine of the year, the Lytton Springs Syrah might be my favorite Syrah I had last year. Great depth, lush fruit (dark berry, chocolate, coffee, oak), soft tannins with outstanding balance. Accessible but with obvious cellar potential. The viognier adds aromatic richness.

This is more restrained, elegant and structured than the new world syrahs from Rosenblum (which I also covet) — but Ridge seems to balance both new world and old world styles.

I think I bought a number of bottles last year at just under $30 a bottle.

Strongly recommended.