Ridge Vineyards : Lytton Springs Zinfandel 2023

Characteristics and tasting advice for Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs Zinfandel 2023

Tasting

Nose
Raspberry, pepper, licorice, and a hint of vanilla come together harmoniously in a generous bouquet.

Palate
The palate opens with notes of black cherry and plum. Supple tannins are supported by lovely minerality. The finish is long and complex, revealing hints of garrigue and black tea.

The richness and refinement of a great California red wine

The estate

A pioneer, Dr. Osea Perrone acquired land in 1885 in the Dry Creek Valley area and planted vines on this clay-limestone terroir. The first vintage was produced in 1892.

Purchased in 1959 and renamed “Ridge Vineyards” in 1962, the estate expanded its vineyard and brought in California winemaker Paul Draper to elevate the property to an icon among the greatest Californian wines.

Ridge Vineyards oversees an exceptional vineyard farmed organically, renowned for the quality of its wines, crafted with a non-interventionist approach to showcase the purest expression of fruit.

The wine

Lytton Springs Zinfandel by Ridge Vineyards is a California wine from a Dry Creek Valley vineyard rooted in clay-limestone soils. 

Winemaking and aging

Hand harvesting followed by full destemming. Alcoholic fermentation with indigenous yeasts, then malolactic fermentation. Aged for 16 months in American oak barrels (19% new, 3% one year old, 10% two years old, 10% three years old, and 58% over five years old).

Blend

Zinfandel (76%), Petite Sirah (14%), Carignan (7%), Alicante Bouschet (2%), and Mataro (1%).