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In 1972, Ridge made its first Lytton Springs from vines planted on the eastern half of the vineyard at the turn of the century. Both the eastern and western portions of the vineyard were purchased in the early 1990s, (In the 1870s, under “Captain” William Litton’s ownership, the two were part of one property; spelling evolved to “Lytton” by 1903.) The vineyard is planted to zinfandel and its principal complementary varieties.
Rain during the first week of April, though welcome, disrupted flowering reducing yields. The fruit ripened quickly in the warm summer weather. Harvest began August 17, the earliest ever. Colour and tannin extraction were managed by limiting pump-overs to once daily. After malolactic, twenty-four of the thirty three separate fermentations were chosen for their concentrated fruit and elegant structure. This excellent vintage is appealing now and will improve over the next ten years.