Ridge Vineyards is a California winery best known for its Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon and its equally famous range of Zinfandel wines and blends. The winery’s history dates back to 1885 when Osea Perrone, a doctor and prominent member of San Francisco’s Italian community, bought 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello Ridge. He planted vineyards on terraced slopes and constructed the Monte Bello Winery, producing the first Monte Bello vintage in 1892.

In 1959, four scientists from Stanford University's Research Institute purchased land adjacent to the Perrone property, the middle vineyard, and created an estate Cabernet. They formed the Ridge Vineyards partnership in 1962 and re-bonded the winery to produce the first official commercial vintage of Monte Bello. The first Zinfandel was made in 1964 from eighty-year-old vines and was followed in 1966 by the first Geyserville Zinfandel from vines that are now one hundred and thirty years old. 1972 marked the first Lytton Springs, from vines planted in 1902.

The old Monte Bello winery and a small part of the Perrone vineyard property was purchased by Ridge in 1968. The old cellar, made of native limestone and built into the mountainside, is Ridge’s production facility today. At 2600 feet above sea level, it is surrounded by the upper vineyard.

Lytton Springs, in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley, became part of the Ridge estate in 1991, completing the lineup of Ridge’s three estate vineyards which provides for 75% of the fruit they use. The winery produces wine at both the original Monte Bello location and Lytton Springs.

Paul Draper joined Ridge Vineyards as winemaker 1969. Draper became one of the world’s most celebrated winemakers, earning awards and accolades for his exceptional work. After nearly 46 years at the helm, Draper retired in 2016. Eric Baugher, COO and director of winemaking at Monte Bello, and John Olney, COO and winemaker at Ridge Lytton Springs, continue Ridge’s style and legacy of quality. Both men have worked with Paul Draper at Ridge for 20+ years.

Ridge relies on nature and tradition rather than technology. The Ridge pre-industrial approach is straightforward: find intense, flavorful grapes; intrude upon the process only when necessary; draw the fruit’s distinctive character and richness into the wine.

The first Lytton Springs was made in 1972 from vines planted at the turn of the century on the eastern half of the vineyard. The vineyard is planted to Zinfandel and complementary varietals on gravelly clay soil.

The wine is a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, and Mataro (Mourvedre). Grapes are sustainably grown, hand harvested, destemmed and crushed, fermented on the native yeasts, and followed by full malolactic on the naturally occurring bacteria.

On the nose are aromas of ripe blackberry, pepper, licorice and a hint of vanilla. There is concentrated plum and black cherry fruit on the palate with supple tannins, minerality and balanced acidity. The finish is long and layered with notes of ripe fig and dried herbs.

Introducing the 2020 Ridge Lytton Springs Proprietary Red Wine, a true gem from the North Coast region of California. This exquisite wine showcases the artistry and passion of Ridge, a renowned producer in the Sonoma appellation. With its deep red color and enticing aromas, this wine is sure to captivate even the most discerning palates.

Upon the first glance, the 2020 Ridge Lytton Springs Proprietary Red Wine reveals its elegance with a visually stunning label that speaks to the wine's exceptional quality. Uncorking the bottle, you are greeted with a symphony of aromas that fill the air. The bouquet is a harmonious blend of red berries, crushed cloves, and an array of spices that awaken the senses. It is truly grapey in the most sophisticated way.

On the palate, this wine delivers a medium- to full-bodied experience that is both fresh and bright. The abundance of horizontal tannins provides a fine muscle and form, adding depth and complexity to each sip. The flavor profile is a delightful combination of mulberry, mocha, and a touch of earthiness, courtesy of the 10% Carignane. The Petite Sirah, never petite in California, adds power and a wallop of tannin that lingers on the palate.

The 2020 Ridge Lytton Springs Proprietary Red Wine is a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Carignane, with Zinfandel dominating at 79%. This wine is a testament to Ridge's commitment to crafting exceptional blends, as it showcases the complementary intrigue that Petite Sirah and Carignane bring to the Zinfandel. The grapes used in this wine come from old vines, some of which date back to 1901, highlighting the rich history and heritage of this vineyard.

Renowned wine critics have showered this wine with praise. James Suckling awarded it an impressive score of 95, praising its chewy texture and suggesting that it benefits from two or three years of bottle age. Decanter also gave it a score of 95, highlighting the distinctiveness of this wine and its old-vine origins. Vinous awarded it a score of 93, noting its pretty floral and spice accents and its impressive balance. Wine & Spirits and Wine Enthusiast both gave it a score of 93, praising its elegance and structure. Finally, Wine Spectator awarded it a score of 93, calling attention to its deep structure and potential for aging.

With an alcohol percentage of 14.6%, the 2020 Ridge Lytton Springs Proprietary Red Wine is a wine that demands attention and appreciation. It is a wine that can be enjoyed now, but will undoubtedly evolve and become even more extraordinary with age. This is a wine that will leave a lasting impression and is a must-have for any wine enthusiast or collector.