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. John Olney is Head Winemaker at Ridge.
Lytton Springs is home to 100-plus-year-old Zinfandel vines interplanted with Petite Sirah, Carignane, a small amount of Mataro and Grenache. For decades, the field blend from this site has produced the quintessential example of Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel.
Crimson in color. 14.5% ABV. 72% Zinfandel, 18% Petite Sirah, 8% Carignane and 2% Mataro. Brooding nose of red and black fruits, plums, leather and pepper. Medium to full bodied with strong acidity. Concentration and structure in spades but I’d hope for a more robust fruit profile. Black cherry, blackberry, tobacco leaves and pepper on palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Best over the next several years with hearty dishes.
My rating: 91 points.
Look for the 2024 vintage of Lytton Springs at around $55 per bottle.
Ridge has been defined by their Zin program for as long as I can remember and in recent years these wines have soared to new heights.
The entire Ridge lineup is available at the winery and for the most part at retail as well. Exceptional wines that are fairly priced, well crafted and easy to find. Everyone is always looking for the latest and greatest when it comes to wine. Sometimes it pays to stick with the tried and true. There is so much to like here.