Ridge

Lytton Springs

Dry Creek Valley

2007

Notes from the Producer

History

In 1972, Ridge made its first Lytton Springs from vines planted on the eastern half of the vineyard at the turn of the century, and purchased both the eastern and western portions of the vineyard in the early 1990s, (In the 1870s, under “Captain” William Litton’s ownership, the two were part of one property; spelling evolved into “Lytton” by 1903.) The vineyard is planted to zinfandel and its principal complementary varietals.

Vintage

Harvest Dates: 26 August – 6 September
Grapes: Average Brix 26.3 degrees
Fermentation: No inoculation; natural primary and secondary. Pressed at nine days.
Aging: 100% air-dried american oak barrels (21% new; 48% one, two and three years old; 31% four and five years old).
Time in Barrel: Fifteen months

Growing Season

Rainfall: Thirty-five inches (below average)
Bloom: Mid-May
Weather: Dry spring and warm, dry summer, with no sustained heat spells.

Winemaker Tasting Notes

Appealing briar/bramble aromas. Clay, earth, mineral, sweet toasty oak, crushed pepper. Rich tannins, solid structure; Intense blackberry fruit, exotic spice. Long, complex finish. Classic Lytton Springs. EB (7/09)

Price: ~$36