1984 Lytton Springs

In 1972, we made our first of five excellent vintages from old vines on Lytton Springs Road in Sonoma County. The grapes were grown on the Valley Vista Vineyard, but we chose the geographic name “Lytton Springs” for the wine. In 1977, the vineyard proprietor decided to use all his grapes to make his own wine, and we granted him permission to use the name. In 1983, a Ridge shareholder purchased the neighboring ranch- with 35 acres of equally old Zinfandel vines as well as small numbers of very old Carignane and Grenache vines. Permission was obtained from the owner of the Valley Vista Vineyard for Ridge again to use the Lytton Springs designation. In 1984 the grapes ripened fully and produced right fruit flavors. With aging- first in French oak and then in air-dried American oak- the wine gained in elegance. As with many of our Zinfandels, it can be enjoyed soon after release but will develop with additional time in bottle.

Founded in 1959, Ridge was one of the first of today’s small, fine California wineries- limiting production to achieve the highest quality.

The Wine Advocate: 92 Points “1984 was “underrated as a vintage,” longtime winemaker John Olney says. “It was a beautiful sleeper vintage with that sweet core of fruit.” Medium garnet in color, the 1984 Lytton Springs Zinfandel has continually unfurling scents of kirsch, pipe tobacco, truffle, charcuterie and mossy bark. The palate shows some discernible Brettanomyces character. It has alluring, suede-textured tannins, acidity that’s just beginning to stand apart and a long, fruitcake-laced finish. It’s in good shape for a 40-year-old wine and will hold a few more years in the cellar.” -Erin Brooks (September 2024)

Average Rating: 81.5

No. of Tasting Notes: 4

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