2012 Ridge, Lytton Springs, Proprietary Red, Dry Creek Valley.
Ridge’s iconic Zin blend the Lytton Springs is mostly old vine Zinfandel (about 70%) along with Petite Sirah (about 20%), Carignane and a touch of Mourvedre aka Mataro making up the rest, and all from their Lytton Springs estate in Dry Creek, coming in at 14.4%, with this 2012 release. This latest edition of Lytton is a classic, and while I always love the Lytton, it maybe the best in many years with great character, richness of flavors and stylish structure and lift, without a doubt this is going to be a winner with everyone, and interestingly enough, I think this new Lytton with bridge the gap between Cabernet fans and Pinot Noir fans too, this wine has it all going on, with depth, finesse and charm, a California wine that can easily stand on the world stage and deliver fruit, layers and balance. The 2012 Lytton starts with floral notes, red fruits, bramble and smokiness leading to a vibrant palate of black raspberry, boysenberry, plum and currant fruits along with briar/spice, cigar wrapper, minty herbs, cedar and anise, finishing with a hint of vanilla, bitter coco and kirsch. This wine is pretty intense with ripe tannins, sweet fruit, but has poise and graceful flow, this is a wonderfully pleasing Lytton Springs that can be enjoyed now and over the next decade and a half with ease. Kudos to the Ridge team, this wine is nearly perfectly crafted, the deep color, a vivid garnet shines in the glass and each sip is a glorious experience to savor, drink from 2015 to 2025, very very impressive and joyous.
($38 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
