Ridge Lytton Springs 1993 Ridge Vineyards EA CA

Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs: The Soul of Old-Vine Californian Zinfandel

History and Philosophy

Lytton Springs 1993 by Ridge Vineyards is a true icon of California Zinfandel, combining the power of the grape with a winemaking philosophy rooted in transparency, terroir expression, and tradition.

Located in Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, the Lytton Springs vineyard is home to some of California’s most historic old-vine Zinfandel plantings, many dating back to the late 1800s. Ridge acquired the property in 1991, though it had already been producing Zinfandel since 1901.

Under the leadership of Paul Draper, Ridge developed a reputation for natural, minimalist winemaking: native yeast fermentation, sustainable vineyard practices, minimal intervention, and full disclosure of winemaking methods on every label.

Vineyard and Terroir

The Lytton Springs vineyard is planted on gravelly clay loam soils, rich in minerals and perfectly suited to Zinfandel and its historic companion varietals—Petite Sirah, Carignane, and Mataro (Mourvèdre).

The warm days and cool nights of Dry Creek Valley allow for balanced ripening, resulting in wines of concentration, freshness, and structure. Many vines are over 100 years old and own-rooted, producing low yields and intensely flavorful fruit.

Winemaking and Ageing

Ridge employs its signature hands-off approach:

• Native yeast fermentation in separate vineyard blocks.

• Careful blending of the lots for balance and complexity.

• Aging in American oak barrels for 14–16 months, with restrained use of new wood.

• No fining or aggressive filtration to preserve purity and depth.

The result is a deep, ageworthy red that marries structure with immediate drinkability.

Tasting Notes

Lytton Springs 1993 offers depth, vibrancy, and classic Zinfandel charm:

• Color: Deep ruby with purple highlights.

• Aroma: Bursting with blackberry, black cherry, and plum, followed by hints of pepper, tobacco, cocoa, and earth.

• Palate: Rich and full-bodied, with fine tannins, bright acidity, and a long, spiced finish.

Grape Varieties

• Zinfandel (70–75%)

• Petite Sirah (15–20%)

• Carignane & Mataro (5–10%)
  (Exact blend varies by vintage.)

Serving Temperature & Alcohol

• Serving temp: 16–18°C (60–65°F)

• Alcohol: Around 14.5% ABV

Food Pairings

Lytton Springs 1993 pairs beautifully with bold, flavorful dishes:

• Grilled meats: BBQ ribs, steak, or lamb chops.

• Hearty stews & braises: Oxtail, chili, wild boar.

• Aged cheeses: Sharp cheddar, pecorino, or gouda.

• Spicy cuisine: Tex-Mex, Cajun, or Middle Eastern.

Conclusion

Ridge Lytton 1993 Springs is a benchmark for heritage Zinfandel, offering a blend of power, finesse, and historical character. A must-try for Zinfandel lovers and fans of authentic California wine.

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Ridge Vineyards: Excellence and Tradition in Californian Winemaking

History and Philosophy

Founded in 1962, Ridge Vineyards is one of the most respected and iconic wineries in California. Located on the Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the winery has built its reputation on a winemaking philosophy focused on expressing terroir with minimal intervention.

The soul of Ridge was shaped under the guidance of Paul Draper, the legendary winemaker who defined the estate’s style. From the beginning, Ridge Vineyards has embraced a vision that merges tradition and innovation, emphasizing natural fermentation, balanced oak aging, and minimal winemaking interference.

A pivotal moment in Ridge’s history was the 1976 “Judgment of Paris”, where the 1971 Ridge Monte Bello competed against top Bordeaux wines and emerged as one of the best, solidifying Ridge Vineyards as one of the world’s great wineries.

Vineyards and Terroir

Ridge Vineyards owns two main vineyard sites, each with exceptional conditions for crafting complex, long-lived wines:

• Monte Bello Estate (Santa Cruz Mountains): At over 800 meters in altitude, this region is known for its limestone-rich soils, cool climate, and constant ventilation. It is home to the legendary Monte Bello, a wine of extraordinary depth and elegance, often compared to Bordeaux’s finest crus.

• Lytton Springs (Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma): The heart of Ridge’s Zinfandel production, featuring century-old vines planted in gravelly, clay-rich soils, which contribute to the wine’s remarkable concentration and structure.

The winery follows organic and sustainable farming practices, with a focus on soil health and biodiversity.

Winemaking Philosophy

Ridge Vineyards adheres to a natural and minimal-intervention approach, ensuring that the wines reflect their origins with precision and purity. Key principles include:

• Spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, without commercial additives.

• Minimal use of sulfites, only when necessary for stability.

• Aging in American oak barrels, carefully balanced to enhance fruit expression without overpowering it.

• Complete transparency, with detailed winemaking notes printed on every label.

The Wines of Ridge Vineyards

Ridge Vineyards is renowned for producing some of California’s most iconic wines:

Monte Bello

The winery’s flagship, a world-class Cabernet Sauvignon that combines the finesse of great Bordeaux with the intensity and minerality of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Powerful, structured, and built to age.

Lytton Springs

A Zinfandel-based wine blended with small amounts of Petite Sirah and Carignane, sourced from historic old vines. Complex, spicy, and full-bodied, it showcases Zinfandel’s true character.

Geyserville

Another outstanding Zinfandel expression, this time from Sonoma. Elegant, fruit-driven, and well-balanced, with notes of dark berries and pepper spice.

Estate Chardonnay

Produced in small quantities, this Chardonnay is fresh, mineral-driven, and beautifully balanced, with restrained oak influence—one of California’s finest examples.

Conclusion

Ridge Vineyards represents a perfect balance of tradition and modernity, with a philosophy centered on purity, terroir, and craftsmanship. Every bottle tells a story of passion, respect for nature, and an uncompromising pursuit of quality. For lovers of Californian wines, Ridge is a must-know name, crafting some of the most iconic and age-worthy reds in the United States.