Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs 2020

Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs 2020

 

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Ridge Vineyards
Lytton Springs 2020
  • Vintage : 2020
  • Country : USA
  • Region : California (AVA Dry Creek Valley)
  • Subregion Sonoma
  • Type : Red
  • Style Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14,3°
  • Grappes : 69% Zinfandel, 23% Petite Syrah, 6% Carignan, 2% Mataro

Limited quantities - Enjoyable as a young wine, this opulent yet structured Zinfandel will continue to develop over the next ten to fifteen years.

Experts Score Vintage
WE Wine Enthusiast 97 2020
DCT Decanter 95 2020
JS James Suckling 95 2020
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 93 2020
WS Wine Spectator 93 2020
JD Jeb Dunnuck 95 2019
CG Connoisseurs' Guide 95 2019
RP Robert Parker 96 2018
W&S Wines & Spirits 91 2016
More information on wine critics and ratings

In 1972, Ridge made its first Lytton Springs from vines planted on the eastern half of the vineyard at the turn of the century, and purchased both the eastern and western portions of the vineyard in the early 1990s, (In the 1870s, under "Captain" William Litton’s ownership, the two were part of one property; spelling evolved into "Lytton" by 1903.) The vineyard is planted to zinfandel and its principal complementary varietals.

Tasting notes: Bramble, raspberry, cassis, toasted oak, and floral aromas; layered black cherry and currant, full bodied with well coated tannins and notes of licorice and black olive on the finish.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 97 Points (2020)
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.

Decanter (DCT) : 95 Points (2020)
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.

James Suckling (JS) : 95 Points (2020)
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.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 93 Points (2020)
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) (10/2022)

Wine Spectator (WS) : 93 Points (2020)
Deeply structured and showing simmering potency, this red reveals blackberry and currant flavors highlighted by savory dill and white pepper accents. Hands off this one for now. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Carignane.

Jeb Dunnuck (JD) : 95 Points (2019)
The 2019 Lytton Springs checks in as 73% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah, and the rest Carignan and Mataro. Revealing a translucent ruby/plum hue as well as beautiful cassis and red plum fruits supported by lots of savory herbs, orange blossom, cigar, and spice-driven aromas and flavors, this beauty hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless texture, moderate yet present tannins, and a great finish. While the Geyserville Cuvee has eclipsed the Lytton Spring in most vintages in the past decade, that's not the case in 2019. (7/2021)

Connoisseurs' Guide (CG) : 95 Points (2019)
73% Zinfandel; 16% Petite Sirah; 9% Carignane; 2% Mataro. Here is an old-fashioned Zinfandel wrapped in new clothes and scoring both for its mix of berries and black fruits with hints of spice and briar, as well as a nicely integrated layer of sweet, rich oak. The wine enjoys the depth of the “big boys” but never gives in to its full ripeness, and its supple entry, mid-palate polish and finishing tannins amplify its keen focus and continuity from front to back. Lytton Springs Zins have shown well in our tastings of older wines, and there is every reason to believe that this one will also perform well for years to come. on ripe berries, the wine layers in a brown leaf, tobacco-like note that adds nicely to its range and depth. Very well-balanced with vibrant acidity somewhat noticeable at present, it may impress some as unusually tart for a ripe Zinfandel while others will be happy with its pert aspects. It is somewhat tight in the late going and bottle age will be a benison here.

Robert Parker (RP) : 96 Points (2018)
The 2018 Lytton Springs is a blend of 72% Zinfandel, 18% Petite Sirah, 8% Carignane and 2% Mataro. The nose is lush and open, with aromas of aniseed, red and blue berries, blood orange and earth plus touches of tobacco leaf and dried flowers. The medium-bodied palate combines intense, powerful flavors with a more ethereal, silty structure, and it finishes with loads of juicy layers. It's stunning straight from bottle but will have more to give with time in the cellar.

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 91 Points (2016)
Fleshy and rich, this classic blend of mixed blacks offers a lot of flavor volume within a lean frame. It’s mostly zinfandel (69 percent), along with petite sirah, carignane and mataro in the blend. Bright red fruit bursts out of its dark, savory structure, feeling both austere and dense as a young wine. This is concentrated, fresh and built to age. 

Ridge Vineyards Geyserville 2020
Ridge Vineyards Geyserville 2020
Ridge Vineyards
Geyserville 2020
W&S
95
DCT
96
VN
91
Quantities are limited, but this is a superb Geyserville, showing intense fruit, and strong vineyard character. Enjoyable now, it will continue to develop over the next ten or twelve years
75,50 €
Quantity : moins plus
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Ridge Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
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Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
WS
92
DCT
96
VN
92
Saturated purple in color. Aromas of cassis, blueberry, cola, licorice, and sweet oak. Ripe blackberry fruit entry, full bodied, rich textures, exotic spice and toasted oak. Complex, long, sensuous finish.
93,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Wine regions guide
69,90 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
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Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs 2020 Reviewed by Wine Enthusiast 11-09-2023 . Score: 5