Lytton Estate Featured in “Zin Vineyards at 100 Years and Counting”
Wine Spectator
July 2025
As part of his feature article on California Zinfandel in the newest issue of Wine Spectator, Senior Editor Tim Fish profiles 10 of the state’s classic 100+ year-old vineyards producing exceptional wines. Among them is Lytton East, the oldest section of our Lytton Springs Estate, first planted in 1901.
“The best California Zinfandels have one thing in common: They’re made from old vines.”
LYTTON EAST
Location: Dry Creek Valley • First Planted: 1901 • Acres: 35
“Sonoma’s Dry Creek is the epicenter of California Zinfandel production, and few vineyards reflect the valley’s history and regional style better than Lytton East, which is the heart of Ridge’s prestigious Lytton Springs bottling. Rolling south from Ridge’s Healdsburg winery, the vineyard has two distinct sections: The oldest vines are in the flatlands, where the soil is gravelly loam plentiful with rocks, while the hill has more clay. Summer days are toasty, but evenings are cooler. The Zin vines are mixed with a bit of Petite Sirah and Carignane. The result is a blend that’s boldly fruity yet distinctly rustic and of the earth.”
Spectator’s Recommended California Zinfandels
The article recommends a number of Zinfandels from the excellent 2022 and 2023 vintages, including our newest bottling of Lytton Springs.
RIDGE Lytton Springs Dry Creek Valley 2023 | 95 Points
“Deeply structured and full of tension, this polished red displays a distinctive personality, offering bold blackberry flavors accented with savory anise, black pepper and dark Asian spices. Ends with big but refined tannins. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Alicante Bouschet and Mataro. Drink now through 2035. From California.”
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