Ridge Lytton Springs Dry Creek Valley 2023

Dry Creek Valley is the epicenter of California Zinfandel, and few vineyards express that like Lytton Springs. It was first planted in 1901, and Ridge’s first bottling was in 1972. The soil in the flatlands is gravelly loam full of rocks, boasting the oldest vines, while the hill has more clay. The 2023 bottling is more than three-quarters Zinfandel, with Petite Sirah and Carignane contributing a zesty, spicy character to the blend. Lytton Springs winemaker Shauna Rosenblum, daughter of Zin legend Kent Rosenblum, aged the wine for 16 months in American oak barrels, 19 percent of which are new.

Tasting Note

Deeply structured and full of tension, this polished red displays a distinctive personality, offering bold blackberry flavors accented with savory anise, black pepper and dark Asian spices. Ends with big but refined tannins. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Alicante Bouschet and Mataro. Drink now through 2035.—Tim Fish