1997 Lytton Springs Zinfandel
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Tasting notes
Full bottle 1,309 g. 80% Zinfandel, 15% Petit Sirah, 2% Carignane, 2% Mataro, 1% Grenache. Both red berries and dried meat on the nose, with no sign of fatigue – the fruit core is still pulsing across the palate. But it’s a much more savoury and earthbound type of Zinfandel than the usual fruit bomb. Long, expansive finish. Very good indeed. (RH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
80% Zinfandel, 15% Petite Sirah, 2% Carignane, 2% Mataro, 1% Grenache. John Olney’s first vintage. This has apparently lasted a lot longer than predicted, according to the Ridge team. The only wine in this vertical of Lytton Springs that reminded me of a mature claret on the nose. This racy, almost electric wine builds towards a glorious finish. On the palate it turns out to be so youthful and vibrant! (JR)
Another stunning wine (like the 1997 Geyserville). Strawberry, super-ripe (bit not overripe) nose. Just slightly dry tannins for the moment but this has fabulous and sumptuous richness. Very complete wine by any measure. (JR)
About the producer
Best known for its iconic Monte Bello, Ridge Vineyards makes some of California’s finest wines – particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Long a pioneer of sustainable farming and minimal-intervention winemaking, Ridge makes an extensive range from Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains.