2019 Lytton Springs

Appealing nose of pepper, and raspberry. Layered plum, blackberry and cocoa on the palate with chalky tannins and a lingering finish. JO (1/21)

After a short harvest the prior year, the vines rebounded with a full crop. Moderate summer temperatures allowed for slow ripening. We waited until mid-September to pick to ensure all varieties were ready. After malolactic, twenty-four blocks were combined, including two pure petite sirah blocks, to add structure to the abundant zinfandel fruit. Enjoyable young, this outstanding wine will gain in complexity over ten to fifteen years.

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 varieties.

Rainfall: 61.2 inches (above normal)
Bloom: May
Weather: Total rainfall for the season was almost double our usual amounts. The vines responded with bountiful yields of great quality.

Harvest Dates: 10 September – 14 October
Grapes: Average Brix 24.3˚
TA: 5.57 g/L
pH: 3.77
Fermentation: Full crush; 100% Natural primary and secondary; pressed at eleven days.
Barrels: 100% air-dried American oak barrels (15% new, 15% one year-old, 20% two year-old, 20% three year-old, 15% four year-old and 15% five year-old).
Aging: Fourteen months in barrel

Hand-harvested, sustainably 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; minimum effective sulfur for this wine (35 ppm at crush, 61 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.

JebDunnuck.com: 95 Points “The 2019 Lytton Springs checks in as 73% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah, and the rest Carignan and Mataro. Revealing a translucent ruby/plum hue as well as beautiful cassis and red plum fruits supported by lots of savory herbs, orange blossom, cigar, and spice-driven aromas and flavors, this beauty hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless texture, moderate yet present tannins, and a great finish. While the Geyserville Cuvee has eclipsed the Lytton Spring in most vintages in the past decade, that’s not the case in 2019.” -Jeb Dunnuck (July 2021)

Vinous: 95 Points “The 2019 Lytton Springs is another embryonic wine in this range. Readers will have to be patient. Time in the glass brings out an exotic mélange of rose petal, blood orange, pomegranate and star anise, all wrapped together by plush, silky tannins. There is a lot of wine here. Healthy dollops of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane and Mataro round out the blend, but the Zinfandel is pretty expressive in the leading role.” -Antonio Galloni (May 2022)

Wine Enthusiast: 95 Points + Cellar Selection “This densely packed and deeply concentrated blend of Zinfandel with 16% Petite Sirah, 9% Carignan and 2% Mataro is practically legendary. It boasts subtle, complex fruit flavors ranging from raspberry to blackberry to blueberry, while a velvety texture of fine-grained tannins and a subtle raspberry-like tartness give it great structure. Best from 2025 to 2035.” -Jim Gordon (January 2022)

Wine Spectator: 94 Points “Detailed and compelling, with briar path and wild red berry aromas leading to distinctive, multilayered white pepper and smoky anise flavors, which build complexity toward refined tannins. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, and Mataro. Drink now through 2031.” -Tim Fish (March 2022)

Jancis Robinson: 17+ “Richer than the Geyserville with more texture. Dry finish and lots of personality and grunt. There’s a real structure to this. Very long.” (May 2022)

The Fine Wine Review: 91 Points “A classic Lytton Springs, this wine has spicy, brambly dark fruits, some coffee and chocolate from the American oak, and surprising elegance for Lytton Springs. A touch of heat from the alcohol on the finish, but not enough to spoil the wine. I’d drink it over the next 15+/- years with meat, pasta with tomato sauces, and strong cheeses.” -Claude Kolm (September 2021)

OwenBargreen.com: 91 Points “Mostly Zinfandel (73%) this forward wine shows red plum, red cherry and dill flavors with good richness. Enjoy this good value over the next seven years.” -Owen Bargreen (August 2021)

Average Rating: 91.3

No. of Tasting Notes: 132

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