Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs 2022

Region and Vineyards

Lytton Springs Vineyard is located at the meeting point of Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley in Sonoma County, just north of Healdsburg. This historic site is planted primarily to Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, and Alicante Bouschet, with some vines dating back to 1901 and 1910. The vineyard features varied soils, predominantly gravelly clay and gravelly clay loam on the hillsides, which contribute to the wine’s structure and mineral-driven character.

The vineyard is dry-farmed and organically cultivated, with head-trained, spur-pruned vines yielding a mere two tons per acre. These low yields concentrate flavor and complexity, creating wines of remarkable intensity. The 2022 vintage was shaped by an early spring and mild weather, ensuring uniform fruit set. However, a May frost slightly reduced yields in certain blocks. The combination of rich fruit, vibrant acidity, and firm tannins defines this wine’s exceptional balance.

Winemaking

Grapes were hand-harvested and organically grown, reflecting Ridge’s commitment to minimal intervention winemaking. The fruit was destemmed and crushed, then fermented using 100% native yeasts. Full malolactic fermentation occurred naturally, preserving freshness and enhancing texture.

Aging took place over 16 months in air-dried American oak barrels, with a combination of 17% new oak and the remainder in progressively older barrels. This gentle oak influence integrates seamlessly, adding subtle spice and structure while allowing the vineyard’s character to shine. The wine was bottled in January 2024 with minimal sulfur and filtration, ensuring purity and longevity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby red with hints of purple, reflecting its youthful vibrancy.
• Aroma: Complex layers of blackberry, dark cherry, and plum, complemented by spice notes of cinnamon and black pepper, with a touch of cedar and vanilla from oak aging.
• Palate: Bold yet balanced, showcasing juicy dark fruit, lively acidity, and well-integrated tannins. Notes of blueberry, licorice, and baking spices evolve into a long, structured finish. The firm tannins ensure excellent aging potential over the next ten to fifteen years.

Did you know?

Ridge Vineyards first produced Lytton Springs in 1972, using grapes from century-old vines. The vineyard was originally part of a single property owned by “Captain” William Litton in the 1870s, but by 1903, the name had evolved to “Lytton.” Ridge eventually purchased both the eastern and western vineyard parcels in the early 1990s, securing its legacy as a benchmark site for old-vine Zinfandel.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Slow-braised short ribs with rosemary and garlic – The richness of the meat is beautifully complemented by the wine’s dark fruit and firm tannins.
• Porcini mushroom risotto – The wine’s earthy spice notes harmonize with the dish’s umami flavors.
• Roasted duck with cherry reduction – The wine’s acidity and red fruit character enhance the savory-sweet complexity of the dish.
• Aged Manchego cheese – The nutty, caramelized flavors of the cheese contrast elegantly with the wine’s dark fruit and spice.

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​​.