Description
Produced from 120-year-vines planted in Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County. This Lytton Springs from Ridge Vineyards is a blend of Zinfandel (76%), Petite Sirah (14%), Carignan (7%), Alicante Bouschet (2%) and Mataro (1%, this is another name for France’s Mourvedre grape). With superb fruit quality from these revered old vineyards, gentle ripening of the grapes during the moderate weather conditions of 2023, and sixteen months ageing in American oak barrels, this is both flavoursome and elegant, from one of California’s top producers.
TASTING NOTE: The deep-rooted old vines, along with the fascinating blend of grape varieties, has given a deliciously complex wine in 2023. At this stage, it is fresh, very fine in texture and elegant in style, with vibrant red and black fruits such as blackberry, raspberry and plum, combined with black pepper and a hint of rose petal. As always, you will also notice a slight spice in the wine, a tiny note of liquorice, from 16 months ageing in top-quality American oak barrels. The wine has naturally fresh acidity in 2023, and firm, velvety tannins, which will drink well now with food, with decanting. But this vintage is very much built to last, should you wish to add it to your collection, for at least a decade in half bottle!
FOOD PAIRING, STORING AND SERVICE: This is a firm-structured and elegant wine that will match with steak, pork loin, lamb rack or a cheese course. We would recommend decanting it for a few hours before enjoying now, or keep the wine up till 2033 at least.
ABOUT: Ridge Vineyards based in the Santa Cruz mountains (South of San Fransisco) was established in 1962. Paul Draper took up the role of winemaker in 1969 and is still involved in making wines at the winery to this day. They champion sustainable farming and winery practices. Ridge, like other California estates, received almost instant praise in the world of wine after California performed so well in the 1976 Judgement of Paris tasting – beating some of France’s most revered wines. Lytton Springs was first produced in 1972.
