Ridge 2022 Lytton Springs Zinfandel

The 2022 vintage at Lytton Springs began with an early spring and mild conditions, producing a uniform fruit set. A May frost affected some blocks, but many vines escaped damage thanks to staggered budbreak. Drought pressures continued—2022 marked the third consecutive dry year—but timely spring rains and warm summer spells pushed ripening forward, leading to an early harvest between mid-August and early September. The grapes reached around 24.7 °Brix and were aged sixteen months in 100% American oak, with only 17% of the barrels new.

This field blend is 67% Zinfandel, 19% Petite Sirah, 11% Carignane, and 3% Alicante Bouschet drawn from century-old, organically managed vines in Dry Creek Valley.

The nose is layered and expressive, with boysenberry, plum, blackberry, cigar box, anise, sage, and hints of dark chocolate, pepper, and smoke. On the palate the wine feels full and luscious yet balanced. Ripe dark fruit—black cherry, plum and bramble—melds with herbal spice, mineral undertones, and a touch of cocoa. The tannins are well coated but still present, framing the vibrant acidity and carrying a long, resonant finish. This wine is approachable now but built to evolve gracefully for a decade or more.