2011 Ridge Lytton Springs Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Tasted at a friend's house over dinner, this headed straight into my Wines of the Year list. I can count on one hand the Zinfandels that I really love (another one is also in Sonoma, with Clay Mauritson's Rockpile Ridge), and this one sits comfortably alongside. Savoury black fruits, a ton of olive paste, vanilla bean and liqourice, fine tannins, balanced and elegant despite the punch of spice, extremely well handled and delivered. 25% new American oak for ageing.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(includes 16% petite sirah and 2% carignane): Opaque ruby. Dark berry and vanilla scents are lifted by smoky spice and mineral qualities and a touch of white pepper. Sappy and appealingly sweet, offering energetic boysenberry and blueberry flavors that become more tangy with air. Silky and assertively spicy on a penetrating finish that leaves subtle floral and mocha notes on the palate.
The 2011 Proprietary Red Lytton Springs (82% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah and 2% Carignan; 14.4% alcohol) was harvested near the end of September. A juicy, rich effort, it displays abundant notes of raspberry and black cherry fruit, medium body, excellent purity, and good weight as well as richness. The strongest effort of these Zinfandel-based wines, it should drink well for 5-6 years. Tel. (408) 867-3233
The 2011 Lytton Springs has a wonderful burst immediacy to it, backed up by the structure of the year. This isn't the most nuanced Lytton Springs in recent memory. Despite its considerable appeal today, my sense is the 2011 needs a few more years in bottle for all of the elements to fully come together. The blend is 82% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah and 2% Carignane.
About the producer
Best known for its iconic Monte Bello, Ridge Vineyards makes some of California’s finest wines – particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Long a pioneer of sustainable farming and minimal-intervention winemaking, Ridge makes an extensive range from Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains.