2003 Ridge Vineyards "Lytton Springs" Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
SKU #1014517
93 points
Connoisseurs Guide
On occasion Lytton Springs has been the biggest and ripest of Ridge's Zins, but this offering comes with a slight sense of restraint in terms of alcohol if not in its fruit. Nicely concentrated and very deep in well-defined blackberries, it also shows complexing touches of mineral and earth that speak straight to its vineyard beginnings. It warms up a bit in its lengthy fruit finish, but it stays in careful balance, and, if a fine wine today, it will gain polish and range in the cellar.
(1/2006)
90 points
Wine & Spirits
The black peppercorn spice of this wine shows it to be more about tannin than fruit at this young stage. Lytton Springs often needs some time to evolve in bottle; if you drink this now, decant it for an hour to let the earthy, dark chocolate tannins meld with that black peppercorn spice. Then serve with braised beef short ribs.
(10/2005)
90 points
Wine Spectator
Excellent structure, with tight, mineral-edged tannins and a core of zesty wild berry and black cherry flavors that are firm and concentrated. It's almost Bordeaux-like in its balance and restraint.
(8/2005)
K&L Notes
This, Ridge's 25th vintage of Lytton Springs, marked the completion of the new, sustainable winery, and the first time Ridge made the wine on the estate where it is grown. The short crop and the heat of 2003 made the fruit ripen all at once; to reduce tannins, nearly half the grapes were uncrushed. Fine with egg whites. 76% Zinfandel, 18% Petite Sirah and 6% Carignane.