1997 Ridge Vineyards Syrah Lytton Estate ATP ****

I had a wine last night that I wished I could bring to work with me. Not because I wanted to sit around all day drinking wine and watching March Madness -- not at all -- but because I thought this wine might convince some people that wine can be a transcendant experience.













From 51 barrels of 88% syrah and 12% cofermented viognier from Dry Creek Valley, the 1997 Lytton Estate Syrah 1997 **** is drinking perfectly now. Smells like strawberries, black tea and green olive tapenade, with mild notes of raisin and bubblegum, pine and mellow menthol on the finish. Good acidity under the tongue balanced by 14.6% alcohol. This wine, which saw 17% new American wood, coats the mouth and finishes strong.