Ridge Vineyards "Lytton Springs" Zinfandel 2022 [3.0 Liter]
(Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California) - [DM 95] [WA 94] [VM 94]

Pre-order; eta 7 business days from the date of order.

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:
Richly fruity, a host of brambles and berries, laced with tea and sweet spices, flowers and fragrant herbs. Great acidity gives a brightness and energy, and while this will be approachable with just a couple of years in bottles, it will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2025-2035+

Vintage:
For 2022, this wine is a blend of 67% Zinfandel, 19% Petite Sirah, 11% Carignane, and 3% Alicante Bouschet. The wine was aged for 16 months in air-dried American oak barrels (17% new, 3% one-year-old, 10% two-year-old, 10% three-year-old, 60% over five years old).

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"This bottling marks the 50th Lytton Springs from Ridge, and appropriately, the wine is beguiling and intense—pure Americana and emblematic of Ridge's commitment to the heritage varieties and vines in California. Lytton Springs is home to 100-plus-year-old Zinfandel vines interplanted with Petite Sirah and Carignane, among a few other varieties. This bottling has become a standard bearer for the notion of California Zinfandel: smoky clove spices, toasted cinnamon sticks, bramble fruits and spicy black plums. The palate shows intense concentration, red and black plums, black pepper, muddled mint leaves and an undertone of dried anise and thyme. Delicious and built to age." - Clive Pursehouse (Sep 2024)

94 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2022 Lytton Springs 50th Anniversary is composed of 67% Zinfandel, 19% Petite Sirah, 11% Carignane and 3% Alicante Bouschet. It opens with initial touches of glossy new American oak—dill and toasted coconut—and gives way to kaleidoscopic black and red plums, cherries and berries, plus accents of hibiscus and potpourri. The full-bodied palate features generous, spicy flavors. It’s structured by abundant, powdery tannins and lively acidity and has a long, detailed finish. Winemaker Shauna Rosenblum says this 2022 was crafted using only American oak, a shift from the blend of French and American oak used in the past. It has resulted in a particularly pure, transparent expression that opens dramatically with air, and this 2022 Lytton Springs will benefit from several years in the cellar." - Erin Brooks (Sep 2024)

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2022 Lytton Springs 50th Anniversary is a characterful edition of this classic cuvée, notable for its élevage in only American oak. Exuberant cherry/berry fruit and licorice meet with grilled herbs, tanned leather, vanilla and dill, all energized by juicy acidity. This is a large-scale wine that will certainly stand the test of time. The clarity and precision here are commendable, especially packaged in such a broad-shouldered frame. Fabulous." - Billy Norris (Oct 2024)