2018 Ridge 'Lytton Springs,' Zinfandel, Sonoma County, California (375ml)   

The beauty of Ridge Zinfandel blends is that they are amazingly restrained. While they feature the requisite fruit flavors like wild plum and blackberry, the wines are never jammy, sweet or overly intense with heat from high alcohol levels. And they always finish with vibrant acidity which makes you want to keep drinking regardless of whether you're enjoying it with food or on its glorious own. Because of that, Ridge Zins appeal to both major Zin fans as well as regular red wine drinkers, novices and experts alike. Add to that a little peppery spice, a tinge of licorice and some seriously silky tannins and you have this 2018 Lytton Springs that is so well balanced and so well structured, it is not only great right now but will continue to thrive for years to come.