2007 Ridge Vineyards "Lytton Springs" Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

SKU #1051884 92 points Connoisseurs Guide

No surprises here. The wine has retained its berryish, brambly, spicy aromas, has plenty of volume and barely shows its age in its slight drift towards cedary complexity. Along the way, it is somewhat round and polished but has not lost that zesty, concentrated goodness that has made Lytton Springs Zins cellaring favorites of ours for several decades. If you have some in your cellar, know that it will drink wonderfully now, yet it seems sure to age for five years or more from here. Two stars, 91 points when first reviewed. (5/2017)

92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2007 Lytton Springs Proprietary Red (71% Zinfandel, 22% Petite Sirah, and 7% Carignan; 14.4% alcohol) exhibits a similar dark ruby/purple hue as well as more black fruits and spice in the impressive aromatics. It is a fuller-bodied, richer wine with beautiful texture, purity, and length. (RP) (2/2010)

91 points Wine & Spirits

This starts with the sweet richness of Dry Creek Zin, with plush, candied red fruit that turns savory as tannins darken the wine into the finish. It ends with lovely briskness, a fine balance between the fruit sweetness and the tannin. With age, the earthy complexities of the wine should evolve. (2/2010)

90 points Vinous

Deep ruby. Heavily oak-influenced at the outset, showing candied dark berries, cherry-cola, bourbon and vanilla scents, along with notes of clove and incense. Extended aeration helps to dissipate the oak notes and allows sweet raspberry and blueberry fruit to emerge on the palate. Soft tannins add support but quickly fade into the sweet, velvety fruit on the finish. If you plan on opening this any time soon, give it a few hours in a decanter. (JR) 90+ (11/2009)

Wine Spectator

Zesty and briary, with dried cherry and fennel aromas and concentrated plum, licorice and cracked pepper flavors, finishing with earthy tannins. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Carignane. (TF, Web Only-2010)