2023 Lytton Springs

Nose of raspberry, pepper, licorice and a hint of vanilla. Black cherry and plum on the palate with supple tannins, minerality and present acidity. Long, layered finish with notes of garrigue and black tea. SR (7/25)

A cold, rainy winter and a cool summer pushed the growing season back, slowing ripening. Harvest began on September 23 and finished on October 24. The twenty-eight parcels that produced the most typical Lytton Springs were combined and racked to barrel. Fine tannins, moderate ripeness and focused fruit are hallmarks of the vintage. This elegant wine is enjoyable now, and has the structure to evolve over the next ten years. SR (12/24)

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: 64 inches (above average)
Bloom: End of June
Weather: Late and prolonged harvest due to consistently cool weather throughout the growing season.

Harvest Dates: 23 September – 24 October
Grapes: Average Brix 24.7˚
TA: 7.39 g/L
pH: 3.66
Fermentation: Full crush; 100% Natural primary and secondary.
Barrels: 100% air-dried American oak barrels (19% new, 3% one year old, 10% two years old, 10% three years old, and 58% 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, 89 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: 98 Points “Blending 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro from an estate vineyard in Dry Creek Valley purchased in 1972, the 2023 Zinfandel Lytton Springs exhibits initial chewiness that leads to fine tannins, with a good heft and underlying acidity. Well-woven oak supports a moderately ripe, medium-bodied frame of structured elegance, aged in 100% air-dried American oak. Enjoy now through 2033.” -Virginie Boone (April 2025)

Zinfandel Chronicles: 96 Points “Dark crimson in color. Showstopping nose of red and black fruits, plums, earth and pepper. Medium to full bodied with exquisite acidity. There is a remarkable core of dark fruits presented in a package with notable power, structure and concentration. Blackberry, raspberry liqueur, marionberry and white pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. This is a Lytton Springs for the ages. Best over the next decade or so.” -Tom Lee (March 2025)

Wine.com: 95 Points “The 1972 Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel was my introduction to the outstanding portfolio of Ridge Vineyards. Tasted in the mid-1970s, I can still recall that memorable moment. The 2023 vintage showcases aromas and flavors of brambleberries, oaky notes, and sandalwood to the fore. Pair it with lamb tacos with a sweet mole sauce. (Best Served: 2025-2038)” -Wilfred Wong (March 2025)

OwenBargreen.com: 95 Points “The 2023 Ridge ‘Lytton Springs’ Red Wine combines manly Zinfandel (76%) with 14% Petite Sirah and the remainder Carignan, Mataro and Alicante Bouschet. The nose offers great potpourri notes with milk chocolate, fresh herbs and shades of ripe strawberry. The palate is smooth and silky with a refined mouthfeel and a great sense of tension and salinity that runs through the core of red and dark fruits. Every bit as gorgeous as the ’22, and slightly less burly and more mineral-driven, enjoy this beauty over the next twelve plus years. Drink 2025-2038.” -Owen Bargreen (March 2025)

Wine Spectator: 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.” -Tim Fish (April 2025)

Vinography.com “Dark garnet in color, this wine smells of blackberries, cola, cocoa powder, and licorice. In the mouth, wonderfully juicy flavors of blackberries, dried and fresh herbs, licorice root, root beer, and blueberries swirl in a technicolor haze as faint tannins coat the mouth. Outstanding acidity, complexity, and balance. Delicious. A field blend of 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet, and 1% Mataro. 14.4% alcohol. Score: around 9.5.” -Alder Yarrow (March 2025)

See all food pairing recipes we have created specifically for this wine.