2005 Ridge Vineyards "Lytton Springs" Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

SKU #1029398 92 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Deep red. Sweet dark berry and kirsch scents are complicated by musky herbs, dried flowers and minerals, with a suave undercurrent of oak spice contributing sweetness. Powerful cassis and bitter cherry flavors are firmed by youthful tannins, which add grip to the finish. Possesses the focus, balance and concentration to repay a decade or more in the cellar. (12/2007)

Connoisseurs Guide

Ridge's latest bottling under the Lytton Springs label achieves a good balance between concentration and berryish fruit with the latter in clear command. It is structured along slightly tighter lines with acid-pushed tannins tightening things up at the end, but this wine is destined for the cellar and needs a few years of patience before opening up. (9/2007)

Jancis Robinson

Quite a feminine nose but a pretty muscular palate. Very firm with quite a bit of acidity. This needs a bit of time to settle down but is certainly ambitious and has Lytton Springs’ trademark dried herb finish. (3/2010)

Wine Spectator

A zesty spice bomb of a Zinfandel, with boysenberry, ripe cherry, licorice and roasted herb notes and long, deep flavors that build toward firm, cedary tannins on the finish. (6/2007)

K&L Notes

Aged in air-dried American oak barrels; 77% Zinfandel, 17% Petite Sirah and Carignane.