RIDGE LYTTON SPRINGS
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; spelling evolved to “Lytton” by 1903.) The vineyard is planted to Zinfandel and its principal complementary varietals.
A season of extreme weather began with heavy winter rains that replenished the water table. The vines rebounded with a full crop but record high temperatures in July and August reduced yields, especially in the petite Sirah. This concentrated flavour and colour and after 14 months in barrel, the wine is exceptionally rich and complex. It will develop more fully over the next ten years.
Hand-harvested, sustainably grown, estate grapes; destemmed and crushed; fermented on the native yeasts, followed by full malolactic on the naturally occurring bacteria; a total of 0.25 grams/litre tartaric acid; oak from barrel ageing; minimum effective sulfur for this wine (35 parts per million at crush, 88 ppm over the course of ageing); pad filtered at bottling. In keeping with their philosophy of minimal intervention.
This wine has a nose of plum, blackberry and liquorice. Plentiful raspberry fruit on entry with notes of pepper sage, well-coated tannins and long layered finish.
The Wine Advocate: 91 Points “Medium ruby-purple, it opens with dried flowers, autumn leaves and cinnamon stick notions over a core of crushed red cherries, dried cranberries, apricot, underbrush, red currant and black cherries with a super spicy undercurrent. The palate is medium-bodied, spicy and fresh with a grainy frame and juicy freshness, finishing long and lifted.” – Erin Brooks (February 2020)
