Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs

Country: USA Region: Sonoma

Varietal: Blend of 72% Zinfandel, 15% Petite Syrah, 9% Carignan, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 1% Cinsault, 1% Counoise 

Vintage: 2021 Category: Red Wine Style: Dry

This is a Zinfandel dominated blend from California.
The Grape Zinfandel originated from Puglia in Southern Italy, over there its called Primitivo but when it got to California changed its name and got very serious indeed. California has made this grape its own, its riper and the fruit is a little sweeter and the alcohol tends to be a little higher. Ridge Vineyards are masters at getting the best from this grape.

The Wine:
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.

Sourced from a single vineyard and treated with kid gloves this wine is another stunning effort from Ridge Vineyards.

95+ Points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous
94 Points – Zinfandel Chronicles
93 Points – Wine Spectator
93 Points – Owen Bargreen, OwenBargreen.com

Tasting notes:
Nose of red and black raspberry, white pepper, fennel, sage, dark chocolate and sarsaparilla. Full bodied with notes of blackberry and ripe plum; juicy acidity, excellent midpalate weight and a lengthy finish. 

Food Pairing: It pairs well with seafood, all kinds of fish, poultry dishes, mature cheeses, smoked meats, or Asian and Mediterranean gastronomies.