Ridge Vineyards "Lytton Springs" Zinfandel 2020 [3.0 L Magnum]
(Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California) - [WE 97] [DM 95] [JS 95] [ZC 95] [VM 93]

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:
Rich blackberry and plum on the nose with notes of aniseed. Full-bodied with dark bramble fruit and well-coated tannins on the palate. The long finish reveals layers of black licorice and dried sage. MB (4/22)

Vintage:
Plentiful rain in early November and December subsided by January. Late spring rains during flowering reduced fruit set across all varieties, especially petite sirah. Thirty-eight blocks were picked at ideal ripeness over four weeks from August to September. Of these, twenty-six were selected for their rich black fruit and perfectly balanced structure. This classic Lytton Springs will be enjoyable over the next ten years. JO (11/21)

Winemaking:
79% Zinfandel, 11% Petite Sirah, 10% Carignane

ABV: 14.6%
Harvest Dates: 21 August – 17 September
Grapes: Average Brix 25.1˚
TA: 5.97 g/L
pH: 3.74
Fermentation: Full crush; 100% natural primary and secondary.
Barrels: 100% air-dried American oak barrels (15% new, 15% one year-old, 20% two years-old, 20% three years-old, 15% four years-old, and 15% five years-old).
Aging: Thirteen months in barrel

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points - Wine Enthusiast: 
"This seamless, polished but also firm and well-structured wine achieves power with grace. Wonderful black fig, black olive and plump blackberry flavors ride a full body backed by good, well-integrated tannins. This classic from Ridge's Sonoma County property consists of 79% Zinfandel plus 11% Petite Sirah and 10% Carignan. Best from 2025–2040." - Jim Gordon (Mar 2023)

95 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Very juicy and chewy with mulberry and mocha notes. Paul Draper’s love of old California field blends and his belief that Petite Sirah and Carignane (which Ridge spells in the old California manner with an 'e' at the end) add a complementary intrigue to Zinfandel are at work in the Lytton Springs. Accordingly, the wine is not labelled Zinfandel even though at 79% Zin, it could be. The 10% Carignane adds an earthy, sensual, south-of-France character to the flavour. The Petite Sirah - which is never petite in California - adds power and a wallop of tannin. A very distinct wine, mostly from old vines, some of which date back to 1901. Ridge, which has been making Lytton since 1972, bought the vineyard in the early 1990s." – Karen MacNeil (Sep 2022)

95 Points - James Suckling: 
"This has lots of horizontal tannins that provide fine muscle and form. It's medium- to full-bodied with freshness and brightness. Red berries, crushed cloves and other spices. Grapey, for a better word. Sophisticated. Chewy, Needs time to soften. Zinfandel with petite sirah and carignan. Drinkable now, but better with two or three years of bottle age." (Sep 2022)

95 Points - Zinfandel Chronicles:
“Show-stopping nose of red and black fruits, peach and baking spices. Medium to full bodied with perfect acidity. Tremendous mouth feel and texture. Black cherry, black raspberry, cocoa and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Just an awesome Lytton Springs in spite of the vintages challenges. Best over the next 8-10 years.” - Tom Lee (August 2022)

93 Points - OwenBargreen.com:
“The outstanding 2020 Ridge Vineyards ‘Lytton Springs’ Red Wine is a blend of 79% Zinfandel with 11% Petite Sirah and 10% Carignane. The beautiful red florals on the nose with potpourri, white pepper and ripe red fruits that mingle with shades of smoked brisket. The palate is plush and soft with a seamless mouthfeel and very lengthy finish. This has both the stuffing and finesse to cellar well for at least another decade.” - Owen Bargreen (August 2022)

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2020 Lytton Springs is a very pretty wine. Bright floral and spice accents open first. Silky and medium in body, with plenty of persistence and fine balance, the 2020 is pretty impressive, especially for the year. Zinfandel character really drives the feel in 2020. A burst of red/purplish fruit, rose petal, cinnamon and dried herbs lingers on the open-knit, intensely perfumed finish." – AG (May 2022)