Tasted from barrel, the 2016 Syrah Lytton Estate (which will be bottled in November) is very promising, revealing notes of cracked pepper, violets, grilled meats, baked clay and cinnamon. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, tense and youthfully chewy, with a long, savory finish. By the time it's bottled, this Syrah (which contains 6% Viognier) should be exceptional. It's one of the hidden gems of the Ridge portfolio.