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 : 79% Zinfandel, 10% Carignan

Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs delivers an exceptional blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Carignane, offering a rich and balanced wine reflective of the vineyard’s storied past.

Experts Score Vintage
WE Wine Enthusiast 97 2020
DCT Decanter 95 2020
JS James Suckling 95 2020
WS Wine Spectator 93 2020
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 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

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

Paul Draper
Paul Draper

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.

    Monte Bello Vineyard
    Monte Bello Vineyard
  • 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.

    Lytton Springs Vineyard
    Lytton Springs Vineyard

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​​.

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.

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.

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)

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 2021
Ridge Vineyards Geyserville 2021
Ridge Vineyards
Geyserville 2021
JD
93
WS
93
WE
94
Ridge Vineyards Geyserville stands out with its rich fruit profile and elegant structure, a testament to over five decades of winemaking excellence.
75,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Ridge Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2021
Ridge Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2021
Ridge Vineyards
Estate Chardonnay 2021
RP
92
WS
94
JS
93
Ridge Vineyards Estate Chardonnay showcases the winery's commitment to producing refined and complex Chardonnay from the renowned Monte Bello Estate.
93,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello 2019
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello 2019
Ridge Vineyards
Monte Bello 2019
WS
95
RP
97
JR
93
The Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello is a masterclass in winemaking, offering a profound expression of the unique terroir of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
300,00 €
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Ridge Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Ridge Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Ridge Vineyards
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
WS
92
WE
95
DCT
96
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.
101,00 €
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