Stratton Lummis The Riddler Lot 4

Stratton Lummis The Riddler Lot 4 is a 750ml Napa Valley red blend bottled at 15.2% ABV, built around a mystery — the exact grape varieties are intentionally kept secret. Winemaker Richard de los Reyes designed the series as a puzzle for the palate, challenging drinkers to identify the classic Napa varietals woven into each release. A previous vintage earned a Bronze medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Quick Facts: ABV: 15.2%  |  Origin: Napa Valley, California  |  Style: Multi-Vintage Red Blend  |  Winemaker: Richard de los Reyes

Production & Heritage

The Riddler is a multi-vintage red blend released under consecutive Lot numbers, with Lot 4 representing the fourth iteration of the series. Winemaker Richard de los Reyes sources varietals commonly associated with Napa Valley and blends them in undisclosed proportions — the identity of each grape is the "riddle" at the heart of the label's concept. This approach gives de los Reyes the flexibility to optimize the blend from lot to lot, prioritizing flavor over formula.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright wild raspberries and fresh plums, followed by a floral lift of violets. Subtle vanilla and oak undertones emerge as the wine breathes.

Taste: The entry is fruit-forward and slightly jammy, with ripe red and dark fruit coating the palate immediately. At mid-palate, the sweetness integrates with a soft vanilla quality, and the wine shows generous body consistent with its 15.2% alcohol. The structure stays approachable rather than tannic, keeping the focus on fruit expression throughout.

Finish: The finish is medium-long, with red fruit flavors lingering well past the last sip. A clean oak note anchors the close, preventing the fruit sweetness from overstaying its welcome.

How to Drink The Riddler Lot 4

Serve at 60–65°F in a large-bowled glass to let the aromatic layers open fully. This wine drinks well on its own but also holds up in wine-based mixed drinks. A classic Sangria benefits from the jammy fruit character and higher alcohol weight. A Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) works surprisingly well here, as the fruit-forward sweetness pairs naturally with the bittersweet cola. A simple red wine spritzer with sparkling water and a citrus twist tames the richness for warm-weather drinking.

Best For

• Blind tasting parties where guests try to identify the grape varieties
• Introducing red blend newcomers to Napa Valley winemaking
• Casual weeknight dinners with grilled meats or pasta
• Gifting to a wine lover who enjoys puzzle-themed or conversation-starter bottles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Riddler Lot 4 taste like? The Riddler Lot 4 is a fruit-forward, slightly jammy Napa red blend with dominant wild raspberry and plum flavors, vanilla accents, and a clean oak finish. It leans approachable and generous rather than austere or heavily tannic.

How does The Riddler Lot 4 compare to The Prisoner red blend? Both are Napa Valley red blends known for ripe, fruit-driven profiles and broad consumer appeal. The Riddler distinguishes itself by keeping its varietal composition entirely secret, whereas The Prisoner publicly discloses its blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Charbono.

Is The Riddler Lot 4 good for beginners? Yes — its fruit-forward, approachable style and soft tannins make it an accessible entry point for drinkers exploring Napa Valley red blends. The slightly jammy sweetness is inviting rather than challenging.

Where is The Riddler Lot 4 made? The Riddler Lot 4 is produced in Napa Valley, California, under the Stratton Lummis label by winemaker Richard de los Reyes. Napa Valley is one of the most celebrated wine-producing regions in the United States.

What foods pair well with The Riddler Lot 4? Grilled lamb chops work well, as the charred meat complements the wine's jammy fruit. BBQ ribs match the vanilla-oak sweetness note for note. Aged cheddar echoes the wine's richness without overpowering it. Mushroom risotto adds earthy depth against the bright red fruit. Dark chocolate with 60–70% cacao mirrors the ripe berry character and soft finish.

What sizes does The Riddler Lot 4 come in? The Riddler Lot 4 is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is The Riddler Lot 4 worth the price? The Riddler Lot 4 positions as an accessible, mid-range Napa Valley red blend that delivers strong fruit intensity and a unique concept at a price point well below many single-varietal Napa Cabernets. For drinkers who enjoy bold, approachable reds, it represents solid value within the category.

Why The Riddler Lot 4?

The secret-blend concept is more than a gimmick — it frees winemaker Richard de los Reyes to compose each Lot for flavor rather than label obligations, sourcing the best available Napa varietals without being locked into a fixed recipe. The multi-vintage, multi-lot structure means each release can evolve while maintaining the series' fruit-driven identity. At 15.2% ABV, Lot 4 carries real concentration and body, landing firmly in the bold Napa style that has earned the broader Riddler series recognition at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. For anyone who enjoys decoding what they drink, this bottle turns every glass into a tasting exercise.