Anybody who enjoys California Zinfandels surely knows the wines of Ridge. Their Pagani Ranch and Lytton Springs offerings typically earn some of the highest scores year-in and year out from the critics, not to mention their Monte Bello Cab-Blend that tends to earn 100 points! The 2023 vintage in California is shaping up to be the best in nearly a decade, as evident from critic Virginie Boone, who writes for JebDunnuck.com. She has been writing about wine for over 20 years, and she has just given the 2023 Lytton Springs a massive 98-point score!
In 1972, Ridge made its first Lytton Springs from vines planted on the eastern half of the vineyard; vines that were already three-quarters of a century old. The vineyard is planted mostly to Zinfandel, plantings of Petite Sirah, Carignane, and Mataro (Mourvedre) grow along with the Zinfandel. Some of these plantings are well over one hundred years old, and those vines produce small yields of intensely-flavored grapes!
Ridge is one of more respected and classically-styled producers in California, and they still do things in a time-honored way. They still aged this wine entire in American oak barrels, use minimal amounts of sulfur, and the grapes from the Lytton Springs vineyard are organically grown.
JEB DUNNUCK 98 POINTS - "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."
WINE SPECTATOR 95 POINTS - "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."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 94 POINTS - "The 2023 Lytton Springs is a blend of 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro that matured for 16 months in 19% new air-dried American oak. It’s especially elegant and expressive this year, offering pure aromas of black cherry, blueberry, damp earth, sage, violet and cast iron. The full-bodied palate features concentrated, fragrant flavors. It’s framed by fine, chalky tannins and vibrant acidity and has a long finish replete with soaring floral perfume. It should be long lived in the cellar."
In 1972, Ridge made its first Lytton Springs from vines planted on the eastern half of the vineyard; vines that were already three-quarters of a century old. The vineyard is planted mostly to Zinfandel, plantings of Petite Sirah, Carignane, and Mataro (Mourvedre) grow along with the Zinfandel. Some of these plantings are well over one hundred years old, and those vines produce small yields of intensely-flavored grapes!
Ridge is one of more respected and classically-styled producers in California, and they still do things in a time-honored way. They still aged this wine entire in American oak barrels, use minimal amounts of sulfur, and the grapes from the Lytton Springs vineyard are organically grown.
- Virginie Boone from JebDunnuck.com rated this at 98 points and says it has a "frame of structured elegance".
- Wine Spectator rated this at 95 points and notes its "bold blackberry flavors accented with savory anise, black pepper and dark Asian spices".
- Wine Advocate rated this at 94 points and writes the wine has "pure aromas of black cherry, blueberry, damp earth, sage, violet and cast iron".
JEB DUNNUCK 98 POINTS - "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."
WINE SPECTATOR 95 POINTS - "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."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 94 POINTS - "The 2023 Lytton Springs is a blend of 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro that matured for 16 months in 19% new air-dried American oak. It’s especially elegant and expressive this year, offering pure aromas of black cherry, blueberry, damp earth, sage, violet and cast iron. The full-bodied palate features concentrated, fragrant flavors. It’s framed by fine, chalky tannins and vibrant acidity and has a long finish replete with soaring floral perfume. It should be long lived in the cellar."
