The 2001 Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel (in magnum) was the leading vote getter in the October Installment of Pick My Next Bottle. The wine was opened and served immediately with pizza from a Zeeks, a West Seattle favorite. This bottle was featured at a Zinfandel tasting that also included Zins from Turley, Carlisle, Seghesio and Frogs Leap.
When I first became interested in Zinfandel the buzz was always around the Three R’s of Zinfandel: Ravenswood, Rosenblum and Ridge. 20 years later Ridge is still at the top of its game, turning out single vineyard Zinfandel from some of California’s most precious vineyards.
Lytton Springs Vineyard dates back to the early 1900’s and is located in the Dry Creek Valley. The 2001 is a blend of 76% Zinfandel, 17% Petite Sirah and 7% Carignane. 50% American oak between two and four years old, 20% new barrels and 30% one-year old.
Served up against younger wines from the likes of Turley and Carlisle this bottle was definitely showing signs of maturity. Bright red in color with bricking around the edges. 14.7% ABV. Claret style Zinfandel. Exotic aromas of dried red fruits, underbrush and spice. Plums, raspberry, earth, spice and cedar on the palate. Dusty tannins and a long complex finish. Drink now.
My rating: 92 points.
The 2011 version is definitely worthy of a spot in your cellar and can be found at retail for about $32.
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Lytton Springs is always one of my favorite Zins. I think people underestimate the aging potential for Zins. There is a lot of Cabernets on the market that couldn’t make it 12 years… The tour and tasting room at Lytton Springs is great as well.
Spot on Roy. Ridge in magnum will age well for years to come.