2005 Ridge Vineyards Syrah Lytton West ***

From the Lytton West vineyard in Dry Creek Valley, this is a dark blue syrah blended with 6% viognier, which adds a honeyed and floral note to the nose. At only 14.5% alcohol, the wine is very strong in the mouth, almost austere, but the wine is well structured - the tannins are fine and the purple fruit notes dominate. This requires 3 years in bottle to come together, after which it should drink nicely for another decade.