Ridge Vineyards "Lytton Springs" Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2012

Grape variety: 70% Zinfandel, 21% Petite Sirah, 6% Carignane, 3% Mataro

Country: USA

Region: Sonoma Coast , California

Vintage: 2012

Size: 750ml

Body: Medium + to Full Bodied

Points: 93 Vinous; 91 Connoisseurs Guide; 17/20 points Jancis Robinson

Cupertino,California, USA The history of Ridge Vineyards begins in 1885, when Osea Perrone bought 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello Ridge. Ridge is known primarily for its Zinfandel; the first zinfandel at the winery was made in 1964, from a small nineteenth-century vineyard farther down the ridge.

In 1969, Paul Draper joined the partnership. From winemaker Paul Draper comes a truly iconic Zinfandel. For several decades, the Lytton Springs vineyard in Sonoma County has been the source for these well-balanced, pure, and age-worthy bottlings. While rambunctious in their youth, a few years of cellaring brings out layers of flavors and an elegant quality very rarely found in California Zinfandel.

Tasting Notes: Black cherry, vanilla, toasty oak and mint aromas. Complex flavors of raspberry, black olive, licorice with chalky tannins. Long finish with intriguing notes of pepper and spice.

This wine is consistent and remains one of the most elegant Zinfandels in the marketplace.The 2012 shows raspberries and savory herbs; has a wildness about it; medium +  to full bodied and pretty tasty now. Silky and polished. Made mostly from Zinfandel,with some Petite Sirah and just a little bit of Carignane and Mataro; will continue to improve. (Best Served 2014-2023)

Food Matching:Beef, Lamb, Duck, Blue cheese, Burger