2012 Ridge Zinfandel Lytton Springs

Bright, full red. Very primary aromas of dark berries, black tea, flowers and resiny herbs. Seriously concentrated, deeply spicy Zinfandel in a distinctly elegant style, with penetrating acidity framing and lifting the savory flavors of dark berries, licorice, black pepper, pungent spices and flowers. A bit muskier than the 2012 Geyserville version, and also tighter and more backward, not yet showing the plushness of that wine. But this extremely youthful wine finishes with a firm spine of supple tannins and terrific sappy energy and length. It's really nowhere near its peak and should enjoy a long life in bottle. According to Draper, 2012 was "finally a drier year, with a perfect summer and a good crop--a return to a normal vintage, not super hot but the beginning of a string of drought years. The wines are dense and well-defined." 14.4% alcohol.

70% Zinfandel, 21% Petite Sirah, 6% Carignan, 3% Mataro. Silky and clarety. Very polished. All US oak but it tastes really rather claret-like! A little bit of heat on the end. Slightly richer than the Geyserville. (JR)

Another totally sexy, voluptuous wine, the 2012 Lytton Springs is endowed with serious power. A bit more structured than the Geyserville, the Lytton Springs stands out for its impeccable balance and class. Layers of dark red fruit build to a powerful finish laced with distinct Petite Sirah overtones. The 2011 is 69% Zinfandel, 20% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane and 4% Mataro (Mourvedre).