Ridge Lytton Springs 2016

Ridge Lytton Springs 2016 is a benchmark Californian field blend that shows why this cuvée has become a modern classic for serious Zinfandel lovers. Combining old-vine intensity with Ridge’s hallmark precision, it offers both immediate pleasure and the structure to age gracefully. The 2016 vintage is particularly expressive, highlighting the character of the historic Lytton Springs vineyard in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2016 Lytton Springs is deep ruby with a vibrant, almost purple hue at the rim, hinting at its youthful energy and concentration. The nose is generous and complex, opening with crushed blackcurrants and ripe plum, layered with notes of black raspberry, candied violet, and a subtle floral lift. Underneath, you’ll find warm baking spices, baked clay, and a touch of dark chocolate and pepper, reflecting both old vines and Petite Sirah’s influence. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, rich and youthful, with a distinctly chewy, yet refined, texture. A crisp core of dark fruit—blackberry, boysenberry and plum—is framed by fine-grained but firm tannins that provide impressive structure without heaviness. The wine shows excellent balance between ripe fruit, fresh acidity, and savory spice, with a long, slightly earthy finish. While already impressive, its tannic backbone and concentration suggest strong aging potential; properly cellared, it should evolve beautifully over 10–15 years, gaining complexity, softness, and more tertiary notes of leather, dried herbs, and forest floor.

Production
Lytton Springs is sourced from Ridge’s historic vineyards in the heart of Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, where old vines thrive in gravelly, clay-loam soils and a warm, sunny climate tempered by cool evening breezes. These conditions are ideal for Zinfandel and its traditional companions, giving small, concentrated berries and naturally low yields. The 2016 blend is composed of 69% Zinfandel, 23% Petite Sirah, 6% Carignane and 2% Mataro (Mourvèdre), much of it from old, interplanted blocks farmed sustainably and often harvested by hand in small lots. Ridge follows a minimalist, traditional approach in the cellar: grapes are typically fermented with native yeasts, lot by lot, and the wine is then aged in mainly American oak barrels, with a restrained use of new wood, to preserve purity of fruit and vineyard character while adding subtle spice and texture.

Food & Serving
This is a versatile, food-loving red that shines with hearty, flavorful dishes. It pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted meats—think ribeye steak, lamb chops, slow-braised short ribs, or spice-rubbed pork shoulder—as well as richer poultry dishes like duck or roast chicken with herbs. It also works well with Mediterranean and rustic Italian fare, such as sausage ragù, roasted vegetables, mushroom dishes, and aged hard cheeses. Serve at 16–18°C (around 60–64°F) to keep the freshness and structure in balance. Decanting for about 45–60 minutes in its youth helps soften the tannins and open up the aromatics; as it ages, a gentle decant mainly to remove sediment will be sufficient.

Producer
Ridge Vineyards is one of California’s most respected producers, renowned for elevating Zinfandel and field blends to world-class status and for crafting ageworthy, terroir-driven wines. The estate’s modern story began in the 1960s on Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, but Ridge quickly expanded its reputation through exceptional Zinfandels sourced from old, heritage vineyards across Sonoma. Lytton Springs, with vines dating back to the early 20th century, has become one of Ridge’s flagship sites, showcasing the depth and complexity that these traditional mixed plantings can achieve. Ridge is widely admired for its commitment to transparent winemaking—native fermentations, careful use of oak, and detailed vineyard labelling—and has earned a loyal following among collectors and critics alike for its consistency, authenticity, and ability to produce wines that age gracefully.

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