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.
Fermentation: Full crush; 100% Natural primary and secondary; pressed at nine days.
Barrels: 100% air-dried american oak barrels (10% new; 20% two years old; 30% three years old, 20% four years old and 20% five years old). Aged fourteen months in barrel
Nose of plum, blackberry and licorice. Plentiful raspberry fruit on entry with notes of pepper sage, well coated tannins and long layered finish.
“Ripe nose of brambly black fruits, spiced plums and loamy earth. Full bodied with medium acidity. Elegant, Claret style Zinfandel. Black cherry, blackberry, iron and pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. The consensus is that Lytton Springs needs time in the cellar but I think this will show best over the next 3-5 years.”