Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Lytton Springs Vineyard is situated on the bench and hills separating Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley, just north of Healdsburg in Sonoma County. This vineyard is renowned for its diverse soils, predominantly composed of gravelly clay and gravelly clay loam on the hillsides. The unique terroir contributes to the rich, complex character of the wine.

The vineyard's history dates back to the early 20th century, with original plantings of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Carignane dating to 1901 and 1910 on Lytton East, and subsequent replantings from the 1950s to the 2000s on Lytton West. The vines are head trained and spur pruned, yielding an average of 2.5 tonnes per hectare.

Winemaking

Lytton Springs is a meticulously crafted blend consisting of 79% Zinfandel, 11% Petite Sirah, and 10% Carignane. The grapes are hand-harvested from the estate’s sustainably grown vineyards. Following a full crush, fermentation is carried out using natural yeasts, with full malolactic fermentation occurring naturally.

The wine is aged for thirteen months in 100% air-dried American oak barrels, with a composition of 15% new barrels and the remainder ranging from one to five years old. The minimal intervention philosophy is evident in the use of minimal effective sulfur (35 mg/L at crush, 72 mg/L over aging), and the wine is pad filtered at bottling to ensure clarity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: deep ruby hue with brilliant clarity.
• Aroma: On the nose, it offers aromas of ripe blackberries, plums, and dark cherries, complemented by hints of spice, earth, and toasty oak.
• Palate: The palate is rich and full-bodied, with flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and black cherry, underscored by notes of pepper, licorice, and mocha. The tannins are firm yet integrated, providing structure and balance. The finish is long and layered, with lingering notes of dark fruit and spice.

Did you know?

The Lytton Springs Vineyard has a rich history dating back to the 1870s when it was originally part of a single property under “Captain” William Litton. By the early 1900s, the spelling had evolved to "Lytton." Ridge Vineyards produced its first Lytton Springs wine in 1972 from vines planted at the turn of the century.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Ribeye Steak: The robust flavors and firm tannins of the Lytton Springs complement the rich, savory notes of a grilled ribeye steak.
• Lamb Stew: The wine's dark fruit and spice elements pair beautifully with the hearty, savory flavors of a lamb stew with root vegetables.
• Barbecue Ribs: The smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors of barbecue ribs are enhanced by the wine's bold fruit and spice profile.
• Aged Cheddar: The creamy texture and sharp, nutty flavors of aged cheddar cheese are a perfect match for the complex flavors of the Lytton Springs.

History of Ridge Vineyards

The history of Ridge Vineyards begins in 1885 when Osea Perrone, a doctor and prominent member of San Francisco's Italian community, purchased 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello Ridge. He terraced the slopes and planted vineyards, constructing the Monte Bello Winery using native limestone and producing the first vintage under that name in 1892.

In the 1940s, theologian William Short bought the abandoned winery and vineyard, replanting several parcels to Cabernet Sauvignon. In the early 1960s, new owners Dave Bennion and his three partners, all Stanford Research Institute engineers, made a quarter-barrel of estate Cabernet from these vines. The quality and distinctive character of the wines produced convinced them to re-bond the winery in time for the 1962 vintage.

The first Zinfandel was made in 1964 from a small nineteenth-century vineyard farther down the ridge, followed in 1966 by the first Geyserville Zinfandel. The founding families expanded the Monte Bello terraces and increased vineyard size, working weekends to make wines of regional character and unprecedented intensity. In 1969, Paul Draper joined the partnership, bringing his practical winemaking skills and traditional knowledge to Ridge. Under his guidance, the winery's quality and international reputation were firmly established​​.

Region and Vineyards

Ridge Vineyards encompasses several notable vineyard sites, each contributing uniquely to the winery's portfolio:

• Monte Bello Vineyard: Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this historic vineyard includes vines replanted in the 1940s and is known for its complex and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons. The Monte Bello estate is situated at an altitude of approximately 800 meters, where the cool climate and rocky limestone soils create ideal conditions for producing wines with exceptional structure and longevity. The vineyard’s steep slopes and diverse microclimates allow for meticulous site selection and blending, resulting in wines that reflect the nuanced character of the region.

  

• Geyserville Vineyard: Situated in Alexander Valley, this site has produced wines since 1966, celebrated for their distinctive blend of Zinfandel, Carignane, and Petite Sirah. The Geyserville vineyard benefits from a warm climate and gravelly loam soils, which contribute to the robust fruit flavors and structured tannins of the wines. The old vines, some over 130 years old, are head-trained and dry-farmed, practices that promote deep root systems and concentrated fruit.

• Lytton Springs Vineyard: Acquired in 1991, this vineyard in Sonoma County produces exceptional Zinfandel-based wines from old vines dating back to 1902. Located in the Dry Creek Valley, the Lytton Springs vineyard features gravelly clay loam soils and a climate that balances warm days with cool nights, enhancing the aromatic complexity and balance of the wines. The vineyard is managed with sustainable practices, including organic farming and the use of cover crops to maintain soil health and biodiversity.

  

Organic and Sustainable Farming

Ridge Vineyards is deeply committed to organic and sustainable farming practices, ensuring that their vineyards not only produce high-quality grapes but also promote environmental health. The vineyards are farmed sustainably, with a strong commitment to organic certification. Ridge uses cover crops, integrated pest management, mechanical weed removal, and composted grape pomace instead of pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers.

These practices help maintain soil health, promote biodiversity, and reduce the winery's environmental footprint. Ridge Vineyards was one of the first wineries in California to pursue organic certification, reflecting its leadership in sustainable viticulture. The winery also engages in minimal intervention winemaking, preserving the natural characteristics of the grapes and their terroir​​.

Wine Range

Ridge Vineyards produces a range of wines that reflect their commitment to terroir and traditional winemaking methods:

• Ridge Monte Bello: Their flagship wine, a Bordeaux-style blend known for its complexity and aging potential.
• Ridge Geyserville: A field blend predominantly featuring Zinfandel, offering rich fruit flavors and structured tannins.
• Ridge Lytton Springs: Another Zinfandel-based blend that highlights the unique characteristics of the vineyard's old vines.
• Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: Produced from Monte Bello's more approachable parcels, showcasing the vineyard's character in a style that matures earlier than Monte Bello.
• Ridge Chardonnay: Produced in limited quantities, reflecting the winery's capability to craft white wines with finesse and depth.

Did you know?

Ridge Vineyards employs what they call "pre-industrial" winemaking techniques, a term they prefer over "natural winemaking." This approach involves minimal intervention, fermenting with native yeasts, avoiding commercial enzymes, and allowing malolactic fermentation to occur naturally. This method preserves the unique character of each vineyard, producing wines that are true expressions of their terroir​​.