2003 Lytton East Zinfandel

In 1991, ’92, ’93, and ’96, we made separate (Lytton Estate) bottlings of the old-vine fruit from the eastern hills and bench at Lytton Springs. Usually, this fruit contributes its complexity to the main Lytton Springs bottling; when tannin concentration or ripeness level in one or another of the parcels threatens to change our preferred style, we bottle separately. This year, spring rains reduced the Lytton East crop to one ton per acre, concentrating fruit. Small berries produced immense tannin, beautifully carried by the wine’s full body. This big, rustic zinfandel is enjoyable now, and will develop with five to ten years of bottle age. PD (1/05)

Since 1962, Ridge has championed single-vineyard winemaking, exploring California in search of those rare sites where climate, soil, and varietal are ideally matched. Our aim is to guide the natural process; using traditional methods and minimal handling, we strive to produce the highest quality wines from superior and distinctive fruit.

Average Rating: 90

No. of Tasting Notes: 43

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