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 2017 vintage is 74% Zinfandel, 15% Petite Sirah, 9% Carignane and 2% Mataro (Mourvedre) aged 14 months in 10% new American oak barrels.
Jeb Dunnuck scored this 90 points saying "The 2017 Lytton Springs is a step back from the incredible 2016 yet still has plenty to love. A blend of 74% Zinfandel, 15% Petite Sirah, and the rest Carignan, it offers a plummy, spice-filled effort that has medium-bodied richness, a bright spine of acidity, a sappy floral character, and a balanced, clean finish. Drink it over the coming decade."
The Wine Advocate scored this 91 points sying "The 2017 Lytton Springs is made up of 74% Zinfandel, 15% Petite Sirah, 9% Carignane and 2% Mataro. It aged in 100% air-dried American oak, 10% new. Medium ruby-purple, it opens with dried flowers, autumn leaves and cinnamon stick notions over a core of crushed red cherries, dried cranberries, apricot, underbrush, red currant and black cherries with a super spicy undercurrent. The palate is medium-bodied, spicy and fresh with a grainy frame and juicy freshness, finishing long and lifted."
Tasting Panel Magazine scored this 95 points saying "Vibrant cherry color with a bright berry nose; velvety with sweet new oak and lovely spice. Ripe blackberry joins deep, resonant flavors of spice in this blend of 74% Zinfandel, 15% Petite Sirah, 9% Carignane, and 2% Mataro."