April 24, 2024 - Much better wine now than the bottle I opened in 2022. Still room to improve but right now is amaizing a very well structured.
April 24, 2024 - 2 hour decant (mag decanter). Well this was disappointing given how great the last bottle was on 9/22. While not corked nor any evidence of brett this was devoid of fruit for the most part and overly acid driven. No score given.
April 10, 2024 - Cool blue fruited with subtle spice and tea notes. Nicely integrated with fresh acidic backbone. California with a hint of Italy.
March 3, 2024 - I enjoyed this better after it had been open a while--it took a minute (as the young people say) for the fruit to come forward. Excellent balance once it opened up. Good match for burgers on the grill.
February 8, 2024 - Tasted right out of the bottle and then consumed about an hour later. On first taste this showed dark fruit and good length, but it was hard to focus on anything other than the oak, which completely overwhelmed. An hour later it showed much better, with more discernible dark berry notes and dried herbs. Definitely recommend giving this some air.
February 4, 2024 - The 2018 Lytton Springs is 72% Zinfandel, 18% Petite Sirah, 8% Carignan, 2% Mataro (aka Mourvèdre) brought up for 14 months in 10% new American oak. Harvest took place between 4th September and 18th October. 14.5% ABV. It spent an hour in the carafe then was paired with homemade burgers. The nose is captivating (quite sensational, I can even say) and perfectly open, with perfumes of blackberries and red plums mingled with blood orange, violet, a few rose petals, a hint of black pepper and very, very subtle wood. At the first sip, we look at each other: “Wow! That's great!”. Palate starts discreetly, then a wave of juicy, fleshy layers surges into the mouth. It's medium-bodied, with a silky mouthfeel, and it finishes long, long with loads of juicy, slightly peppery fruits and a bit of coffee. This is a wine that combines richness, intense tastes and crazy elegance. It's definitely ready to go now (remember to aerate it for 1 to 1.5 hours if you uncork these days) but I guess it'll climb an additional step with more time in the cellar.
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February 4, 2024 - Evolving very well. Complex, ripe zinberry, deep petite sirah, savory carignane, all combine into a sauvage blend. Perfumed & concentrated.
Really speaks of vineyard & age. I’ll pop #4 in 2 yrs & expect #5 to easily make 10 yrs gracefully. Glad I have 2, wish I had a couple more to enjoy.
Great structure & light sandpaper tannins balance really flavorful fruit. 3 of 5
Epitome of the timeless Ridge Claret style which has endured for 60yrs.
January 30, 2024 - Drinking well right now.
January 14, 2024 - Excellent! Aging beautifully. Complex, smooth , elegant.
January 3, 2024 - More advanced than I expected. Nose features blackberry, boysenberry, black plum, anise seed, cardamom, and molasses. Full bodied, thick and slightly sweet smooth tannin works well with glossy acid. While substantive it’s not cloying, delivering a slightly gritty mouthfeel. Flavors include blackberry, spiced plum, sweet black licorice, black pepper, cinnamon, and black tea extract. It’s really accessible now with a 30 minute decant. I have a second bottle that I’m going sit on for a few years to see what happens.