2008 Ridge Vineyards "Lytton Springs" Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
SKU #1061158
94 points
Vinous
The 2008 Lytton Springs is a powerhouse. Today, the 2008 is in the zone. The aromatics have begun to open up, the mid-palate retains gorgeous depth and all the elements are in sync. Sweet herbs, tobacco, menthol and licorice wrap around the imposing finish. This is a decidedly virile vintage of the Lytton Springs. Well-stored bottles will drink well for another decade or more, as the 2008 still has a lot to say. (AG)
(7/2016)
93 points
Connoisseurs Guide
Ripe, but not overly so, and carefully crafted with a certain claret-like polish that is the Ridge signature, this year's Lytton Springs bottling is a deep, very well-focused wine that keys on varietal berries with complexing notes of dusty and dry spice lending a little more range than everyday Zinfandel gets. It is nicely balanced with a fine spine of tannins for grip but maintains its sense of finesse and composure right to the end, and, if not so astringent that it cannot be enjoyed now, it is built to get better for several years and will hold for many more. *Two Stars*
(2/2011)
93 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Striking, intense black cherry and blackberry fruit with some spice and earth jump from the glass of the 2008 Lytton Springs, a blend of 74% Zinfandel, 21% Petite Sirah, and 5% Carignan. Dark ruby with a nice tannic overlay, the wine was aged 15 months in American oak. Spicy, impressively rich, with good acids and loads of concentration, this is a beauty... (RP)
(2/2011)
92 points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Saturated ruby. Dark berries, cherry, sassafras and smoky Indian spices on the nose, with an intense vanilla quality and a hint of dried violet. Opulent, palate-coating blackberry and mulberry flavors show a spicy, oaky quality, with gentle acidity providing lift. Dusty tannins add grip to the vanilla-tinged finish, which clings impressively. I have no doubt that this wine will absorb its oak with a few years or so of bottle age. (ST)
(5/2011)
Jancis Robinson
Spicy, firm, tannic β difficult to read now. This sinewy wine needs ages in bottle. There is lots packed in here β itβs a bit of a first growth really β but wait and wait. Very dense and dry. 17.5/20 points
(3/2010)
Wine Enthusiast
Made with 74% Zin and additions of Petite Sirah and Carignane, this wine is bone dry and a little rustic in the edgy tannins that have hints of bitter greens. Yet it's complexly flavored, offering waves of berries, currants, cola, anise and pepper.
(2/2011)
Wine Spectator
Sleek yet tight and briary, with tart plum and dill aromas and zesty cherry, anise and earth flavors that finish with a grip of tannins. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Carignane. (TF)
(6/2011)
