2020 assemblage: 79% Zinfandel, 11% Petite Sirah, 10% Carignane

Rich blackberry and plum on the nose with notes of aniseed. Full-bodied with dark bramble fruit and well-coated tannins on the palate. The long finish reveals layers of black licorice and dried sage - winemakers tasting note.

In 1972, Ridge made its first Lytton Springs from vines planted on the eastern half of the vineyard at the turn of the century. Both the eastern and western portions of the vineyard were purchased in the early 1990s, (In the 1870s, under “Captain” William Litton’s ownership, the two were part of one property; the spelling evolved to “Lytton” by 1903.) The vineyard is planted to zinfandel and its principal complementary varieties.

"Medium to dark garnet. Aromas of blackberries and black cherry. Powdery tannins surround a juicy core of blackberry and black-cherry flavours shot through with plum skin, citrus peel and dried herbs. The tannins gain weight and power as the wine lingers on the palate, along with notes of sawdust and earth."
17 Points.
Alder Yarrow, jancisrobinson.com (August, 2024)

"Very juicy and chewy with mulberry and mocha notes. Paul Draper’s love of old California field blends and his belief that Petite Sirah and Carignane (which Ridge spells in the old California manner with an ‘e’ at the end) add a complementary intrigue to Zinfandel are at work in the Lytton Springs. Accordingly, the wine is not labelled Zinfandel even though at 79% Zin, it could be. The 10% Carignane adds an earthy, sensual, south-of-France character to the flavour. The Petite Sirah – which is never petite in California – adds power and a wallop of tannin. A very distinct wine, mostly from old vines, some of which date back to 1901. Ridge, which has been making Lytton since 1972, bought the vineyard in the early 1990s."
95 Points.
Karen MacNeil, Decanter Magazine (November 2022)