Ridge Estate Lytton Springs 2023

Ridge began sourcing grapes here in 1972, purchasing the estate outright in 1991, recognising the site as a perfect match of soil, climate, and varietal. The 2023 vintage endured a cool, extended growing season with above-average rainfall, delaying harvest from late September through October, allowing slow, even ripening that enhanced complexity and freshness.
Hand-harvested and destemmed, the grapes were naturally fermented on native yeasts with daily pump-overs to gently extract tannin and colour. After full malolactic fermentation, ageing took place for sixteen months in 100% air-dried American oak barrels of varying ages (19% new), adding nuanced oak character while preserving the wine's vibrant fruit integrity. Minimal sulphur additions and pad filtration ensured purity and stability with minimal intervention.

This wine delivers a complex nose of ripe raspberry, black cherry, and plum, layered with pepper, liquorice, and a hint of vanilla. The palate is richly textured, combining supple tannins, fresh acidity, and minerality, with a long, layered finish accented by notes of garrigue and black tea.

James Suckling awarded 95 Points “A lovely release with lots of freshness from a cooler vintage. Bright and perfumed aromas of red cherries, raspberry coulis, confit plums, liquorice, and spice. The palate is full-bodied with finely tuned tannins and vibrant, crunchy acidity. Made from 76% zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignan, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro. Drink or hold.” (May 2025)"

Lytton Springs is a benchmark for elegant Dry Creek Zinfandel blends, balanced and structured to develop gracefully over a decade or more. It pairs exquisitely with herb-crusted rack of lamb, where the wine’s acidity and richness complement the dish's savoury intensity.