Ridge Vineyards "Lytton Springs" Zinfandel 2019 (Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California) - [JD 95] [VM 95] [WE 95+] [CG 95] [WS 94]

Ridge Vineyards "Lytton Springs" Zinfandel 2019
(Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California) - [JD 95] [VM 95] [WE 95+] [CG 95] [WS 94]


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JD95 VM95 WE95+ CG95 WS94
Size

Notes from the Winemaker:

In 1972, Ridge made its first Lytton Springs from vines planted on the eastern half of the vineyard at the turn of the century. Both the eastern and western portions of the vineyard were purchased in the early 1990s, (In the 1870s, under “Captain” William Litton’s ownership, the two were part of one property; the spelling evolved to “Lytton” by 1903.) The vineyard is planted to zinfandel and its principal complementary varieties.

Tasting Notes:
Appealing nose of pepper, and raspberry. Layered plum, blackberry and cocoa on the palate with chalky tannins and a lingering finish. JO (1/21)

Vintage:
After a short harvest the prior year, the vines with a full crop. Moderate summer temperatures allowed for slow ripening. We waited until mid-September to pick to ensure all varieties were ready. After malolactic, twenty-four blocks were combined, including two pure petite sirah blocks, to add structure to the abundant zinfandel fruit. Enjoyable young, this outstanding wine will gain in complexity over ten to fifteen years.

Winemaking:
73% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah, 9% Carignane, 2% Mataro

ABV: 14.6%
Harvest Dates: 10 September – 14 October
Grapes: Average Brix 24.3˚
TA: 5.57 g/L
pH: 3.77
Fermentation: Full crush; 100% Natural primary and secondary; pressed at eleven days.
Barrels: 100% air-dried American oak barrels (15% new, 15% one year-old, 20% two year-old, 20% three year-old, 15% four year-old and 15% five year-old).
Aging: Fourteen months in barrel


Ratings & Reviews

JebDunnuck.com: 95 Points #48 Top 100 of 2021: “The 2019 Lytton Springs checks in as 73% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah, and the rest Carignan and Mataro. Revealing a translucent ruby/plum hue as well as beautiful cassis and red plum fruits supported by lots of savory herbs, orange blossom, cigar, and spice-driven aromas and flavors, this beauty hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless texture, moderate yet present tannins, and a great finish. While the Geyserville Cuvee has eclipsed the Lytton Spring in most vintages in the past decade, that’s not the case in 2019.” -Jeb Dunnuck (July 2021)

Vinous: 95 Points “The 2019 Lytton Springs is another embryonic wine in this range. Readers will have to be patient. Time in the glass brings out an exotic mélange of rose petal, blood orange, pomegranate and star anise, all wrapped together by plush, silky tannins. There is a lot of wine here. Healthy dollops of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane and Mataro round out the blend, but the Zinfandel is pretty expressive in the leading role.” -Antonio Galloni (May 2022)

Wine Enthusiast: 95 Points + Cellar Selection “This densely packed and deeply concentrated blend of Zinfandel with 16% Petite Sirah, 9% Carignan and 2% Mataro is practically legendary. It boasts subtle, complex fruit flavors ranging from raspberry to blackberry to blueberry, while a velvety texture of fine-grained tannins and a subtle raspberry-like tartness give it great structure. Best from 2025 to 2035.” -Jim Gordon (January 2022)

Connoisseurs Guide: 95 Points “73% Zinfandel; 16% Petite Sirah; 9% Carignane; 2% Mataro. Here is an old-fashioned Zinfandel wrapped in new clothes and scoring both for its mix of berries and black fruits with hints of spice and briar, as well as a nicely integrated layer of sweet, rich oak. The wine enjoys the depth of the “big boys” but never gives in to its full ripeness, and its supple entry, mid-palate polish and finishing tannins amplify its keen focus and continuity from front to back. Lytton Springs Zins have shown well in our tastings of older wines, and there is every reason to believe that this one will also perform well for years to come. on ripe berries, the wine layers in a brown leaf, tobacco-like note that adds nicely to its range and depth. Very well-balanced with vibrant acidity somewhat noticeable at present, it may impress some as unusually tart for a ripe Zinfandel while others will be happy with its pert aspects. It is somewhat tight in the late going and bottle age will be a benison here." (6/22)

Wine Spectator: 94 Points “Detailed and compelling, with briar path and wild red berry aromas leading to distinctive, multilayered white pepper and smoky anise flavors, which build complexity toward refined tannins. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, and Mataro. Drink now through 2031.” -Tim Fish (March 2022)