2009 Ridge Zinfandel Lytton Springs

Longtime winemaker John Olney recalls 2009 as “very Goldilocks—not too hot, not too cool. A moderate, easygoing harvest. Acidities were excellent." He emphasized, "The biggest challenge was getting the winemakers out of the way. Often the hardest thing to do in winemaking is to do nothing.” The 2009 Lytton Springs is made up of 71% Zinfandel, 23% Petite Sirah and 6% Carignane. It has a medium garnet color and is beginning to brown at the rim. It demands air to really open but is worth the wait—it reveals arresting aromas of baked blueberries, desiccated lilac, old leather, tobacco and underbrush. The full-bodied palate is more youthful, with tempered ripeness and floral tones. It has suede-textured tannins and juicy acidity that calls you back to the glass for another fragrant sip. It’s in its prime drinking window.

A blend of 71% Zinfandel, 23% Petite Sirah and 6% Carignan. Tasted from jeroboam. Dark garnet. Smells of dried and fresh cherry, dried herbs and dried flowers. Salty and juicy flavours of dried cherry and forest floor are aromatic with notes of minty herbs, cocoa powder and red-apple skin all with a wonderfully mouth-watering character. Fantastic acidity and length, with a hint of coconut and sawdust lingering in the finish. Wonderfully supple, powdery tannins. A stunning wine with a long way to go yet. (AY)

The 2009 Lytton Springs is pure silk on the palate. Sensual, layered and supple, the 2009 is a wine of total finesse. Nothing in particular stands out. Instead it is the wine's harmony that rules the day. I suggest giving the 2009 a good bit of air, as it has a lot to offer for those who can be patient. This is a library re-release from Ridge.