2006 Lytton Springs Zinfandel
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Tasting notes
80% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah, 4% Carignan. No inoculation; natural primary and secondary fermentations. Pressed at nine days. Aged 15 months in 100% air-dried American oak barrels (22% new; 42% one, two and three years old; 36% four and five years old). Deep but not opaque ruby. Very bright red fruit on the nose. Rather like the result of carbonic maceration (I find out later that the Petite Syrah is whole-bunch fermented). Highly perfumed. Cheeky and sweet and fresh. So pure and bright. A light herbal note. Raspberry, even a touch of pencil lead and linctus. Lovely impression of ripeness and freshness together. (Paul Draper explains that you cannot get this with Zinfandel unless you pick at the point where you will get 14-15% alcohol.) Fabulous dry, tight but very fine tannins and freshness on the palate. And that fine grip just adds to the freshness. There is such refinement here in a very full-flavoured wine. Tannins seem just a little drier than on the Geyserville. (JH)
Critic scores
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
(80% zinfandel, 16% petite sirah and 4% carignane) Deep ruby-red. Vivid red and dark berry aromas are complemented by dusty floral and mineral notes, with a suave rose quality gaining power with air. Deep cassis and bitter cherry flavors are energized by tangy minerality, picking up exotic floral pastille and candied licorice nuances on the back end. Smooth and sweet, with fine-grained tannins and a long, sappy finish. This is balanced to reward at least another five to seven years of patience.
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.