Ridge's history begins in 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 in the Santa Cruz Mountains. He planted vineyards and constructed a winery of redwood and native limestone in time to produce the first vintage of Monte Bello in 1892. The historic building now serves as the Ridge production facility.
Though Ridge began as a Cabernet winery, by the mid-60s, it had produced several Zinfandels including Geyserville. In 1972, Lytton Springs joined the line-up and the two came to represent an important part of Ridge production. Known primarily for its red wines, Ridge has also made limited amounts of Chardonnay since 1962.

In 1972, Ridge made its first Lytton Springs from vines planted on the eastern half of the vineyard at the turn of the century. The 2020 Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel, Dry Creek is a blend of 79% Zinfandel, 11% Petite Sirah, 10% Carignane, (an intriguing blend). The 2020 Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel shows deep structure, potency that builds as you taste but achieves both elegance and power. This is rarely achieved in zinfandel winemaking! The color opens with rich ruby with red hues. There are aromas of figs, ripe blackberry, pepper, exotic spices, and a hint of dill. The palate is full-bodied ripe tannins that are chewy but are well integrated and finishes long and memorable. The winemaking team head John Olney and Lytton Springs Winemaker Shauna Rosenblum have given us a sophisticated zinfandel, but you need to lay it down and forget about it for several years. With patience, the Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel will need time to balance, soften and will deliver a great wine to enjoy!

By Perry Miroballi