WTN: Ridge Lytton Springs 2010

Ridge Lytton Springs 2010
14% abv; 70% Zin, 23% Petite Sirah and 7% Carignane. This is very perfumed and sadly, for my quercophobic tastes, quite a bit of the aroma is new oak. But it is also a more elegant Zin than any other I have tried with plenty of bright, berried fruit and no lush sweetness. Dry, well structured (I understand the 2010 Geyserville was de-acidified but 2010 LS was not) and not at all as sweet as I have learned to expect from Zin. It finishes fresh and is quite moreish. I really love the acidity and lightness of touch in this wine and I am confident that once the new oak goes more into the background this will be a very good wine. As far as Zinfandel goes, this is a savoury and elegant wine. But how long must I wait for the oak to go into hiding?

[David M. Bueker]

As I mentioned elsewhere - wait 10-15 years and you will have a glorious experience.

Hi Otto,

I just had a 2007 Ridge York Creek and unless it does not get at as much oak as Lytton Springs, I found the oak quite minor and well integrated after about 5 years of aging. It was 78% Zin and 22% Petite Syrah (14.6% abv). Great match with smoked ribs and pork tenderloin from the grill. More elegant and less fruity than most zins but with a nice fruity edge to it, nonetheless.