Ridge Vineyards was founded in 1959 when three Stanford Research Institute engineers bought an abandoned winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The vineyards had been planted in the late 19th century by a San Francisco physician who produced his first vintage in the original winery, called Monte Bello, in 1892. The first Ridge vintage was in 1962. Since 1969 Ridge’s winemaker, and now also its CEO, has been Paul Draper. Ridge makes Cabernet, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Merlot, Petite Sirah and Rhone style wines.
When I first became interested in Zinfandel the buzz was always around the Three R’s of Zinfandel: Ravenswood, Rosenblum and Ridge. 25 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 ’08 Lytton Springs in a blend of 74% Zinfandel, 21% Petite Sirah and 5% Carignane.
Bright purple in color. 14.4% ABV. Black fruits, pepper and currants on the nose. Great structure and perfectly balanced. Medium body, claret styled Zinfandel blend. The palate shows blackberries, cherries, plums and spice. Soft tannins and surprisingly approachable. Drink over the next 2-4 years.
My rating: 92 points.
The 2012 Lytton Springs is widely available at retail for right around $32. Yours truly, will be looking to purchase bottles soon.
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I opened a magnum of the 2001 Lytton Springs at Thanksgiving a few years ago. The crowd raved about it. It was mellow, plush, smooth and simply delightful. Paul Draper builds these wines to age, and age gracefully they do. Fantastic wines, excellent values.