Ridge Vineyards `Lytton Springs` Zinfandel Organic 2021
Country
United States
Region
Sonoma County
Producer
Ridge Vineyards
Grape(s)
Zinfandel (100%)
Type
Red
Style
Complex
Oaked Style
Oaked
Body Style
Full bodied
Dry/Sweet Style
Dry
Alcohol Content
14.5%
Closure Style
Cork
Organic/Biodynamic
Organic certified
Sustainable
Yes-certified sustainable
Vegetarian/Vegan
Vegetarian
No
Vegan
No
Allergens
Sulphites
Yes
Milk
No
Egg
No
Region
Sonoma County runs parallel to Napa on the Pacific eastern side, and the warmer northern end works well for Bordeaux varieties and Zinfandel with the cool southern end can make elegant Pinot Noir and crisp aromatic Sauvignon Blanc. Alexander Valley Vineyards is located on Highway 128 in northern Sonoma County, just 75 miles north of San Francisco. In 1962, it was mostly prune orchards and pastures when Maggie and Harry Wetzel purchased a large portion of a homestead built by Cyrus Alexander, the valley`s nineteenth century namesake. Hank Wetzel, oldest son of Maggie and Harry, produced the vineyard`s first wine in 1975. Acclaimed for crisp Chardonnay and luscious Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley Vineyards brought recognition to the appellation and became a leading winery in Sonoma County.
Producer
The Ridge Vineyards began in 1885 when Dr Perrone bought 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello Ridge. He terraced the slopes and planted vineyards, as well as constructing the winery out of native limestone.Ridge Vineyards is one of the most prestigeous wineries in California and is famous for the 1976 judgement of Paris where a panel of European experts judged the Ridge Monte Bello to be superior to some of Bordeaux`s finest wines. Under the long-standing influence of winemaker Paul Draper, Ridge pioneered a philosophy of minimal-intervention winemaking, championing traditional techniques, native yeast fermentation and transparency in production. Today, Ridge farms vineyards across the Santa Cruz Mountains and Sonoma County, with a strong commitment to organic viticulture and sustainable practices. Its wines are celebrated for their balance, complexity and distinctive expression of California’s diverse terroirs.
Tasting Notes
Lytton Springs is one of California’s most celebrated Zinfandel-based wines, produced from historic vineyards in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley. First produced by Ridge in 1972, the wine is sourced from old, head-trained vines, some over 100 years old, growing on well-drained gravelly clay soils. Predominantly Zinfandel, the blend typically includes Petite Sirah, Carignane and a small proportion of Mourvèdre. Following Ridge’s philosophy of minimal-intervention winemaking, the grapes are fermented using native yeasts and aged in American oak barrels. The resulting wine is powerful yet elegant, offering concentrated blackberry, plum and black cherry flavours, complemented by notes of pepper, liquorice and warm spice. Structured tannins and vibrant acidity provide excellent balance and ageing potential.
Food
Ideal with pasta, spicy cuisine, pepper steak, roast meats and strong cheeses.
