2023 Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs Zinfandel
Grape
Mainly Zinfandel with some Petite Sirah, Carignane, and Alicante Bouschet
Its Origins
Ridge Vineyards makes wines that compete in terms of quality and desirability with Bordeaux First Growths and Grand Cru White Burgundies. Winemaker Paul Draper has crafted 43 vintages at Ridge and his practical, hands-off, “pre-industrial” approach to winemaking has resulted in an exceptional and highly sought-after range of wines. Although a vineyard was first planted near the top of Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains in 1885, it lay abandoned until four Stanford Research Institute engineers bought it in 1959. Ridge Vineyards was formed in 1962 and Paul Draper was appointed as winemaker in 1969. After stunning the world by their triumph in the 1976 Judgement of Paris tasting, Ridge Vineyards shot to fame and gained cult status almost overnight. Since then, Ridge has concentrated on producing fine Bordeaux blends and Chardonnays from Monte Bello's exalted terroir as well as renowned Zinfandels from the Lytton Springs and Geyserville vineyards in Sonoma County.
What The Critics Say
98/100 JebDunnuck.com, Virginie Boone
“Blending 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro from an estate vineyard in Dry Creek Valley purchased in 1972, the 2023 Zinfandel Lytton Springs exhibits initial chewiness that leads to fine tannins, with a good heft and underlying acidity. Well-woven oak supports a moderately ripe, medium-bodied frame of structured elegance, aged in 100% air-dried American oak. Enjoy now through 2033.”
96/100 Zinfandel Chronicles, Tom Lee
“Dark crimson in color. Showstopping nose of red and black fruits, plums, earth and pepper. Medium to full bodied with exquisite acidity. There is a remarkable core of dark fruits presented in a package with notable power, structure and concentration. Blackberry, raspberry liqueur, marionberry and white pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. This is a Lytton Springs for the ages. Best over the next decade or so.”
“Deeply structured and full of tension, this polished red displays a distinctive personality, offering bold blackberry flavors accented with savory anise, black pepper and dark Asian spices. Ends with big but refined tannins. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Alicante Bouschet and Mataro. Drink now through 2035.”
| Variety | Zinfandel |
|---|---|
| Region | California |
| Closure | Cork |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Maturity | 2025 - 2045 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.