#3 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025
#71 James Suckling Top 100 Wines of the USA 2025
Ridge Vineyards traces its roots back to 1885, when Osea Perrone purchased land atop Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains. By 1892, he had planted vineyards and built a redwood and limestone winery, producing the first Monte Bello vintage. That historic building still serves as Ridge’s production facility today. In 1962, Ridge released its first Monte Bello under the modern label, followed soon after by its first Zinfandel.
Ridge’s philosophy is simple yet meticulous: select the most flavorful grapes, guide the natural process, and let the fruit’s richness shine. Every decision—from harvest to bottling—is driven by taste, with winemakers handling grapes as gently as possible to preserve complexity. Committed to sustainability, Ridge joined International Wineries for Climate Action in 2021 and has pledged to reach Net Zero by 2050, conducting biannual greenhouse gas audits verified by third-party accreditation.
Nose of raspberry, pepper, licorice and a hint of vanilla. Black cherry and plum on the palate with supple tannins, minerality and present acidity. Long, layered finish with notes of garrigue and black tea.
Blend: 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 1% Mataro
98 Jeb Dunnuck Blending 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro from an estate vineyard in Dry Creek Valley purchased in 1972, the 2023 Zinfandel Lytton Springs exhibits initial chewiness that leads to fine tannins, with a good heft and underlying acidity. Well-woven oak supports a moderately ripe, medium-bodied frame of structured elegance, aged in 100% air-dried American oak. Enjoy now through 2033.
96 Decanter A much cooler growing season delayed the start of harvest by about a month, resulting in a wine with greater restraint than the previous vintage. The 2023 is a more elegant take on this wine, with less fruit intensity, but still unmistakably Ridge. Fresh aromas of herbs from a bouquet garni mix with earthy tones and subtle sweet notes from baking spices. The fruit profile oscillates between ripe red and black berries, with a touch of plums and ripe cherries. Tannins are firm yet polished, and there's a soft creaminess to the palate. A wine that is balanced and quite enjoyable now, with many years to evolve in the bottle.
95 Wine Spectator Deeply structured and full of tension, this polished red displays a distinctive personality, offering bold blackberry flavors accented with savory anise, black pepper and dark Asian spices. Ends with big but refined tannins. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Alicante Bouschet and Mataro.
95 James Suckling A lovely release with lots of freshness from a cooler vintage. Bright and perfumed aromas of red cherries, raspberry coulis, confit plums, licorice and spice. The palate is full-bodied with finely tuned tannins and vibrant, crunchy acidity. Made from 76% zinfandel, 14% petite sirah, 7% carignan, 2% alicante bouschet and 1% mataro.
95 Wilford Wong of Wine.com The 1972 Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel was my introduction to the outstanding portfolio of Ridge Vineyards. Tasted in the mid-1970s, I can still recall that memorable moment. The 2023 vintage showcases aromas and flavors of brambleberries, oaky notes, and sandalwood to the fore. Pair it with lamb tacos with a sweet mole sauce. (Tasted: March 19, 2025, San Francisco, CA)
95 Vinous The 2023 Lytton Springs is powerfully aromatic and expressive from the jump. It explodes from the glass with dark blue fruit, lavender and blood orange peel, framed by mocha-like richness and a wave of exotic spice. The texture is pure silk, wrapping the palate with seamless contours and lifted freshness courtesy of the cool growing season. A blend of 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro, the 2023 shows remarkable persistence and poise. If you know Lytton, you know these wines can age for decades—this one is clearly built for the long haul.
94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2023 Lytton Springs is a blend of 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro that matured for 16 months in 19% new air-dried American oak. It’s especially elegant and expressive this year, offering pure aromas of black cherry, blueberry, damp earth, sage, violet and cast iron. The full-bodied palate features concentrated, fragrant flavors. It’s framed by fine, chalky tannins and vibrant acidity and has a long finish replete with soaring floral perfume.
