1993 Ridge Zinfandel Lytton Springs
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Tasting notes
Medium red with an amber-green edge. Alluring, mellow aromas of plum, redcurrant, leather, sage and balsamic vinegar, with darker notes of black cherry and menthol emerging with air. Wonderfully silky, broad and mouthfilling but at the same time quite dry and savory, showing a classic cool Zin pepperiness and a continuing menthol quality. This very densely packed, powerful wine got better and better as it opened in the glass, and its substantial building tannins suggest it will repay additional aging. 14.5% alcohol.
Critic scores
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
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Note to Readers: This wine was included in issue 103 in a section titled "Time and Chance Reveal All Secrets" in which Robert Parker described the characteristics of top American Zinfandels (robust, exuberant, supple, velvety-textured generosity displayed in an ostentatious manner) and emphasized the fact that they are meant to be drunk within 6-7 years of the vintage. The wines were tasted blind in December, 1995.
For readers who love Lytton Springs' awesomely-extracted, huge, full-bodied, monster Zins, this is a masterpiece! The 1993 is a massively-extracted, jammy, black-cherry-scented and flavored, full-bodied wine with an opaque black/purple color, huge intensity, surprisingly sweet tannin, an unctuous texture, and enough fruit to cover the high alcohol level. Although these wines can age for 12-15 years, they are best consumed during their first 8-10 years of life for their grapy exuberance, power, and fury. Tel. (707) 433-7721
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.