Ridge 2021 Petite Sirah Lytton Estate

The 2021 growing season at Lytton Estate was marked by a dry winter and spring that stressed the vines and led to lower yields but more concentrated flavors. Rainfall totaled about 14 inches, below average, and bloom came in early May. The eight Petite Sirah parcels were harvested between September 1 and 24 under warm and stable conditions. The wine completed 16 months of aging in 100 % air-dried American oak barrels (a mix of new and older barrels) to build complexity without overpowering the fruit.

This is a single‐vineyard, 100 % Petite Sirah from organically farmed vines rooted in gravelly clay loam soils on the hills and benchlands between Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys. The oldest vines date to 1901, with newer plantings up to 2008.

In the glass it shows a deep, inky purple color. Aromas of freshly cracked pepper, blackberry, violets and cocoa mingle with subtle mineral and earth notes. The palate is powerful yet refined, with juicy blue and black fruits, well-coated chalky tannins, and a long, resonant finish. With structure and balance, this wine will evolve gracefully over the next decade or more.