Lytton Springs, Ridge Vineyards 2021

Eshcol was the original name of the estate. First planted in the 1800s, the wines made here helped establish Napa’s early reputation for quality. Eshcol Red is an authentic Bordeaux-style blend sourced primarily from the younger blocks of the main ranch.

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc

This red blend opens with bold fruit-forward aromas of blackberry and dried cherry. On the palate, bright red fruit gives way to modest tannins and nicely balanced acidity, making it ready to open for almost any occasion.

Trefethen Family Vineyards

The Geyserville Vineyard is home to Ridge’s oldest vines, including a section over 130 years old. It is predominantly planted with a mix of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignan, and Mataro vines, which are head-trained and spur-pruned. The soils are deep gravelly loam mixed with large river rocks, and the vineyard has been certified organic since 2015.

An inviting nose of dark red and black fruits, and exotic oak spice. The palate is medium to full, marrying ripe black fruits with stony mineral notes, a fine core of acidity and silky yet well-structured tannins.

Syrah from Lodi is a bit of an oddity. This one comes from a 16-acre vineyard planted in ’94, when Steve and Lori Felton switched from contract grape growing to winemaking. They named it after their daughter, who, aged nine, declared she’d be the one to look after it. Big and bold, it’s less aggressive than a Barossa Shiraz (despite its 15.2% ABV), sharing the same rich, extracted fruit but with a smoother mouthfeel and silky finish. Though recent vintages have been scooping up medals, Lodi Syrah still hasn’t caught on in the US—so for once we benefit from American ignorance and can offer it well below its true worth. Enjoy