"94-96 Vinous - Billy Norris, Vinous.com
Tasted just prior to bottling, the 2024 Lytton Springs is shaping up to be a gem of a wine. It's clearly an infant, but it’s surprisingly light on its feet. Leaning into Syrah-like aromatics of purple flowers, animal musk, white pepper and smoked meat, the 2024 steps with confident and elegance. The chalky tannins are particularly up front today, but that shouldn't be a problem in a few years' time.
Drinking Window 2028 - 2044
78% Zinfandel, 13% Petite Sirah, 6% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 1% Grenache"
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).
