Ridge Vineyards 2016 Lytton Springs Zinfandel Blend, Dry Creek Valley

Lytton Springs is home to 100 plus-year-old zinfandel vines interplanted with Petite Sirah, Carignane, a small amount of Mataro (Mourvdre), and Grenache. For more than three decades the field blend from this site has produced the quintessential example of Dry Creek Valley zinfandel. Lytton Springs is a prime example of Ridge's commitment to championing Heritage varietals - varietals planted more than a century ago, and surviving in numerous locations. They honor the individual character of these vines by fermenting each variety and each lot separately using natural yeast fermentation, letting the wines undergo natural malolactic, and employing minimal egg white fining. This 2016 vintage is 69% Zinfandel, 23% Petite Sirah, 6% Carignane and 2% Mataro (Mourvedre) aged 14 months in 15% new American oak barrels.


This wine has been widely praised,  James Suckling scored it 94 saying "This blend of 69 per cent zinfandel, 23 per cent petite sirah, six per cent carignane and two per cent mataro has an x-factor attraction, in that all components are elevating each other to greater heights. The sum is more than the parts. Attractive red berries with blackberries, blackcurrants and red plums, too. This is assertively structured and will deliver best from 2022.”

and Jeb Dunnuck also scored it 94 saying "Another winner is the 2016 Lytton Springs, a Zinfandel-dominated blend that includes 23% Petite Sirah, 6% Carignan, and 2% Mourvèdre. This medium to full-bodied effort has wonderful purity of fruit as well as slightly more density in its black and blue fruits, earth, and dried spices. With bright acidity and ripe tannins, it will be better with another year or three of bottle age and keep for 15-20.”

and Antonio Galloni scored it 95 points saying "The 2016 Lytton Springs is a powerful, dense wine. Black cherry, plum, lavender, new leather, cloves, licorice and menthol flesh out. Deep, plush and richly textured, the 2016 Lytton Springs packs a real punch. The 23% Petite Sirah is felt in the wine’s darkness and overall gravitas. There is more than enough richness and structure to support many years of fine drinking. What a gorgeous wine this is."