97pts Wilfred Wong

When I tasted the 1973 Lytton Springs Zinfandel upon its release in the early 1970s, I fell head over heels for wines made from these vineyards. The 2022 has re-kindled that feeling. This is the second time I tasted this vintage (the first time was a few weeks ago at the vineyard site with the Ridge crew and colleagues in the business. All I can say is, “Wow!” This wine excels with aromas and flavors of beautiful mixed spices, dried flowers, and a bounty of berries. Serve this with a slow-cooked lamb stew, and see for yourself. 

96pts Wine Enthusiast - Cellar Selection 

The densely packed nose of this legendary old-vine field blend of Zin, Petite Sirah, Carignan and Alicante gives aromas of crushed blackberry, purple flowers and rich earthy spices. The palate brings black cherry, olive and licorice flavors in a framework of opulent tannin that will age effortlessly for more than a decade.

95pts Decanter

Committed to both sustainable and organic farming practices, Ridge’s pre-industrial approach lends its sensibility to field blends made from old, time-honored vines. Leading the Sonoma County blend is Zinfandel, California’s quintessential heritage grape, along with Petite Sirah, Carignan and Alicante Bouschet. Hand-harvested, co-fermented, then thoughtfully aged in American oak, the ruby hues with purple reflections follow with a bramble of wild berries, violet, sarsaparilla, fennel, and mint on the nose. An energized mouthfeel of blackberries, cherry cola, dried herbs, and cocoa-covered coffee beans, drive this lush and juicy field blend to a long, lifted finish.

95pts Zinfandel Chronicles

Savory nose of black fruits, tobacco and flowers. Full bodied with mouth watering acidity. Dark fruits, structure and concentration in spades. Black cherry, blackberry, plums and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. The 50th Anniversary bottling of Lytton Springs has the stuffing to drink well for a decade if not longer.

95pts James Suckling

This is the kingpin of Ridge’s Sonoma County heritage blends and it doesn’t disappoint. Equal parts fruity, spicy and savory on a full body braced by moderate tannins. Judicious oak spices like cedar and cigar box complement pure, ripe blackberries and raspberries and a dash of black pepper. Known to age well for decades. Drinkable now, but best from 2030.

95pts Wine Spectator

Like a beast that’s been tamed, this red is genteel and polished on the outside but dark and fervent deep down, with expressive flavors of blackberry, briar patch, savory anise and pepper. Drink now through 2035.

94pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2022 Lytton Springs 50th Anniversary is composed of 67% Zinfandel, 19% Petite Sirah, 11% Carignane and 3% Alicante Bouschet. It opens with initial touches of glossy new American oak—dill and toasted coconut—and gives way to kaleidoscopic black and red plums, cherries and berries, plus accents of hibiscus and potpourri. The full-bodied palate features generous, spicy flavors. It’s structured by abundant, powdery tannins and lively acidity and has a long, detailed finish. Winemaker Shauna Rosenblum says this 2022 was crafted using only American oak, a shift from the blend of French and American oak used in the past. It has resulted in a particularly pure, transparent expression that opens dramatically with air, and this 2022 Lytton Springs will benefit from several years in the cellar.

94pts Vinous

The 2022 Lytton Springs 50th Anniversary is a characterful edition of this classic cuvée, notable for its élevage in only American oak. Exuberant cherry/berry fruit and licorice meet with grilled herbs, tanned leather, vanilla and dill, all energized by juicy acidity. This is a large-scale wine that will certainly stand the test of time. The clarity and precision here are commendable, especially packaged in such a broad-shouldered frame. Fabulous.

17/20 Jancis Robinson

Medium verging on deep purple. Restrained nose for Zinfandel – still with blackplum and bramble but more mineral with a crushed-gravel smell. Incredible structure with firm tannin and fresh acidity balanced by fleshy fruit and a kiss of vanilla from oak. Still very tight. Drink 2026 – 2035.

Tasting Notes

Complex nose of boysenberry, cigar box, anise and sage. Full-bodied with well-coated tannins and balanced acidity. Notes of plum, blackberry, mineral, pepper and dark chocolate.

About the Winery

In 1972, Ridge made its first Lytton Springs from vines planted on the eastern half of the vineyard at the turn of the century. Both the eastern and western portions of the vineyard were purchased in the early 1990s, (In the 1870s, under “Captain” William Litton’s ownership, the two were part of one property; spelling evolved to “Lytton” by 1903.) The vineyard is planted to zinfandel and its principal complementary varietals.

Blend: 67% Zinfandel, 19% Petite Sirah, 11% Carignane, 3% Alicante Bouschet