"96 Points -Ana Carolina Quintela, Decanter.com
A much cooler growing season delayed the start of harvest by about a month, resulting in a wine with greater restraint than the previous vintage. The 2023 is a more elegant take on this wine, with less fruit intensity, but still unmistakably Ridge. Fresh aromas of herbs from a bouquet garni mix with earthy tones and subtle sweet notes from baking spices. The fruit profile oscillates between ripe red and black berries, with a touch of plums and ripe cherries. Tannins are firm yet polished, and there’s a soft creaminess to the palate. A wine that is balanced and quite enjoyable now, with many years to evolve in the bottle April 2025
95 Points - Billy Norris, Vinous.com
The 2023 Lytton Springs is powerfully aromatic and expressive from the jump. It explodes from the glass with dark blue fruit, lavender and blood orange peel, framed by mocha-like richness and a wave of exotic spice. The texture is pure silk, wrapping the palate with seamless contours and lifted freshness courtesy of the cool growing season. A blend of 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro, the 2023 shows remarkable persistence and poise. If you know Lytton, you know these wines can age for decades—this one is clearly built for the long haul. September 2025"
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).
A cold, rainy winter and a cool summer pushed the growing season back, slowing ripening. Harvest began on September 23 and finished on October 24. The twenty-eight parcels that produced the most typical Lytton Springs were combined and racked to barrel. Fine tannins, moderate ripeness and focused fruit are hallmarks of the vintage. This elegant wine is enjoyable now, and has the structure to evolve over the next ten years.
