Professor Bainbridge...on law, politics, religion, culture & food

Ridge Lytton Springs (Dry Creek Valley) 2000

A blend of 80% zinfandel and 20% petite sirah. Medium-deep purple shading to ruby at the rim. No hint of bricking yet. Moderate nose. A little hot, expressing the high alcohol (almost 15%). Spicy and a little brambly. Blackberries and nettles, with a whiff of coffee pot. On the palate, the wine is big and brawny. Over the last year, however, the flavors have mellowed and blended. What started out as a jammy fruit salad with an odd funky note or two has smoothed into a warm berry jam. The finish is hot and moderately tannic. Highly concentrated. I've got a bit over half a case left and will hold off for another year or two, as it is still evolving. Grade: B+