2022 Lytton Springs

Complex nose of boysenberry, cigar box, anise and sage. Full-bodied with well-coated tannins and balanced acidity. Notes of plum, blackberry, mineral, pepper and dark chocolate. SR (7/24)

An early spring and mild weather contributed to a uniform but moderate set. A May frost reduced yields in some blocks, but due to variance in bud break, most of the vineyard was spared. Rich fruit, ample acid, and firm tannin showcase the balance and quality typical of this exceptional vineyard. Approachable even as a young wine, this classic zinfandel will continue to evolve over the next ten to fifteen years. SR (11/23)

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.

Rainfall: 20.5 inches (below normal)
Bloom: Early May
Weather: 2022 was the third year of drought. Thankfully, we received spring rains that helped the vines. These same rains caused shatter in our zinfandel, reducing their crop. Two heat spells pushed the vines to another early harvest.

Harvest Dates: 19 August – 12 September
Grapes: Average Brix 24.7˚
TA: 6.60 g/L
pH: 3.63
Fermentation: Full crush; 100% natural primary and secondary.
Barrels: 100% air-dried American oak barrels (17% new, 3% one year old, 10% two years old, 10% three years old, and 60% five-plus years old).
Aging: Sixteen months in barrel

Hand-harvested, organically grown, estate grapes; destemmed and crushed; fermented on the native yeasts, followed by full malolactic on the naturally occurring bacteria; tartaric acid; oak from barrel aging; water; minimum effective sulfur for this wine (35 ppm at crush, 84 ppm over the course of aging); pad filtered at bottling. In keeping with our philosophy of minimal intervention, this is the sum of our actions.

Wilfred Wong: 97 Points “When I tasted the 1973 Lytton Springs Zinfandel upon its release in the early 1970s, I fell head over heels for wines made from these vineyards. The 2022 has re-kindled that feeling. This is the second time I tasted this vintage (the first time was a few weeks ago at the vineyard site with the Ridge crew and colleagues in the business. All I can say is, “Wow!” This wine excels with aromas and flavors of beautiful mixed spices, dried flowers, and a bounty of berries. Serve this with a slow-cooked lamb stew, and see for yourself. (Best Served: 2024-2038)” (September 2024)

Decanter: 95 Points “Committed to both sustainable and organic farming practices, Ridge’s pre-industrial approach lends its sensibility to field blends made from old, time-honored vines. Leading the Sonoma County blend is Zinfandel, California’s quintessential heritage grape, along with Petite Sirah, Carignan and Alicante Bouschet. Hand-harvested, co-fermented, then thoughtfully aged in American oak, the ruby hues with purple reflections follow with a bramble of wild berries, violet, sarsaparilla, fennel, and mint on the nose. An energized mouthfeel of blackberries, cherry cola, dried herbs, and cocoa-covered coffee beans, drive this lush and juicy field blend to a long, lifted finish.” -Marissa Finetti (September 2024)

Decanter: 95 Points “This bottling marks the 50th Lytton Springs from Ridge, and appropriately, the wine is beguiling and intense—pure Americana and emblematic of Ridge’s commitment to the heritage varieties and vines in California. Lytton Springs is home to 100-plus-year-old Zinfandel vines interplanted with Petite Sirah and Carignane, among a few other varieties. This bottling has become a standard bearer for the notion of California Zinfandel: smoky clove spices, toasted cinnamon sticks, bramble fruits and spicy black plums. The palate shows intense concentration, red and black plums, black pepper, muddled mint leaves and an undertone of dried anise and thyme. Delicious and built to age.” -Clive Pursehouse (September 2024)

Zinfandel Chronicles: 95 Points “Savory nose of black fruits, tobacco and flowers. Full bodied with mouth watering acidity. Dark fruits, structure and concentration in spades. Black cherry, blackberry, plums and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. The 50th Anniversary bottling of Lytton Springs has the stuffing to drink well for a decade if not longer.” -Tom Lee (August 2024)

JamesSuckling.com: 95 Points “This is the kingpin of Ridge’s Sonoma County heritage blends and it doesn’t disappoint. Equal parts fruity, spicy and savory on a full body braced by moderate tannins. Judicious oak spices like cedar and cigar box complement pure, ripe blackberries and raspberries and a dash of black pepper. Known to age well for decades. Drinkable now, but best from 2030.” -Jim Gordon (September 2024)

OwenBargreen.com: 95 Points “The outstanding 2022 Ridge ‘Lytton Springs’ Red Wine is now the 50th bottling of this wine. Mainly Zinfandel (67%) with 19% Petite Sirah and the remainder Carignan and Alicante, this offers rich dark fruits and chocolate on the nose alongside black rose petals. The palate is rich and seamless on the palate, with gorgeous texture and length. A big and broad wine, with dark chocolate, black cherry and red raspberry core, this is already drinking beautifully now. Drink 2024-2040” -Owen Bargreen (October 2024)

The Wine Advocate: 94 Points “The 2022 Lytton Springs 50th Anniversary is composed of 67% Zinfandel, 19% Petite Sirah, 11% Carignane and 3% Alicante Bouschet. It opens with initial touches of glossy new American oak—dill and toasted coconut—and gives way to kaleidoscopic black and red plums, cherries and berries, plus accents of hibiscus and potpourri. The full-bodied palate features generous, spicy flavors. It’s structured by abundant, powdery tannins and lively acidity and has a long, detailed finish. Winemaker Shauna Rosenblum says this 2022 was crafted using only American oak, a shift from the blend of French and American oak used in the past. It has resulted in a particularly pure, transparent expression that opens dramatically with air, and this 2022 Lytton Springs will benefit from several years in the cellar.” -Erin Brooks (September 2024)

Vinous Media: 94 Points “The 2022 Lytton Springs 50th Anniversary is a characterful edition of this classic cuvée, notable for its élevage in only American oak. Exuberant cherry/berry fruit and licorice meet with grilled herbs, tanned leather, vanilla and dill, all energized by juicy acidity. This is a large-scale wine that will certainly stand the test of time. The clarity and precision here are commendable, especially packaged in such a broad-shouldered frame. Fabulous.”
-Billy Norris (October 2024)

Average Rating: 90

No. of Tasting Notes: 2

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