"Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com 95+ Points
The 2021 Lytton Springs is fabulous. Bright and vibrant to its core, the 2021 impresses with its poise. Readers will find a Lytton Springs that is very much in reserve, as opposed to the rest of the 2021s in this report, all of which are more approachable. Salivating acids and veins of tannin lend shape and persistence, but the 2021 needs time. Red cherry fruit, blood orange, rose petal and sage are some of the notes that linger on the close. October 2023"
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; spelling evolved to 'Lytton' by 1903.) The vineyard is planted to zinfandel and its principal complementary varietals.
Lytton Springs Vineyard is located on the bench and hills separating Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys, just north of Healdsburg, Sonoma County. Varied soils, with a predominance of gravelly clay; gravelly clay loam on hillsides.
Varietals: 74% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah, 8% Carignane, 2% Mataro. Age of Vines: Lytton East: zinfandel, petite sirah, and carignane planted 1901 (32 acres) and 1910 (11 acres); zinfandel and petite sirah, planted 1997-1998 (5 acres), Lytton West: zinfandel, petite sirah, carignane, re-planted 1953 – 1968 (26 acres); zinfandel and petite sirah, planted 1980’s (2.5 acres); zinfandel and petite sirah planted in 1990’s (42.8 acres); zinfandel, limited petite sirah, limited carignane, in 2000’s (60 acres).
