Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel 2003

This, our twenty-fifth vintage of Lytton Springs, marks the completion of the new, sustainable winery, and the first time we have made the wine on the estate where it is grown. From 1972 to 1976, and again from 1984 to 2002, we picked early in the morning and trucked the grapes to Monte Bello—three hours away. This year's short crop and intense September heat caused the fruit to ripen all at once. Tannins were highly extractable, so almost half the grapes were left uncrushed, and the number of pump-overs was reduced. As malolactic fermentation finished, we assembled the finest and most typical lots, and racked to barrel. After twelve months in air-dried american oak, the wine was fined with nine egg whites per barrel, balancing firm structure and sensuous fruit. This classic Lytton Springs is enjoyable now. It will soften with a year or two in bottle, and develop fully over the next eight to ten years.

76% ZINFANDEL, 18% PETITE SIRAH, 6% CARIGNANE