Lytton Springs 2014 Ridge

Professional reviews

Jancis Robinson (17.50)

69% Zinfandel, 18% Petite Sirah, 11% Carignan, 2% Mataro. Some of the Petite Sirah vines were planted in 1901. Five different soil types. Typically assembled soon after pressing. 16-18% new American oak. Quarterly racking – more often than most of their peers. Aged in bottle before release.
Very dark purplish crimson. Very fresh and focused on the nose. Great claret-like structure. Proper complex wine.

Vinous (94)

The 2014 Lytton Springs is another absolutely gorgeous wine. Perhaps because of its relatively recent bottling, the 2014 feels a bit compressed, but there appears to be plenty of complexity and depth hiding behind the acidity and tannin. Far from an easygoing Zinfandel, the 2014 Lytton is a wine to buy and cellar for at least a handful of years. The wine's richness, persistence and vertical intensity all lead me to believe it will be special in time. Black cherry, pomegranate, mint and sweet spices meld into the resonant finish. A kick of tannin from the Petite adds personality, something the 2014 has in spades.

Falstaff (93)

Dark ruby garnet, purple reflections, delicate watery edge. Hints of black cherries, fine blackberry confit, fine tobacco savouriness. Juicy, fresh plum fruit, fine tannins, ripe fruit, a touch of dried fruit, mineral-salty finish, still needs some time (2016)