Healdsburg,
CA (Sonoma, CA area)
I had the
pleasure of being introduced to Lytton Springs Zinfandel almost 5 years ago and
I’ve
always wanted to try their other wines.
I happened to have that chance a few weeks ago while visiting the Sonoma
valley.
One interesting thing I learned
during my visit was some of the vineyard plantings have remained for over a
hundred years, hence the term "ancient vines." Some vines have roots over 20 feet down
stretching into the water table. Italians planted some of these plots in the early 1900s and back then
it wasn't confirmed what some of the varietal plants were. The majority is Zinfandel however a subtle
mix of Carignane, Pettie Sirah and others are spread throughout. Not all of the lots (fields) are grown this
way however for those that are, all those grapes go into that particular wine.
For example; the Lytton Springs Zinfandel has 67% Zin, 23% Petite Sirah, 7%
Carignane and 3% Mataro. So technically
it's a Zinfandel but the blending of other varietals makes it quite nice.
Some of
the other wines I particularly liked were;
'10
Geyserville Zinfandel - A nice subtle balance on the oak due to older
barrels. Subtle berry fruit flavors,
well structured with silky finish.
'09
Carmichael Ranch Zinfandel - One of my favorites in the group! Soft tannins,
subtle mocha flavors, aged on American oak. 96% Zin, 4% Petite Sirah
Lastly for
those of you wanting that "special" occasion wine, the '09 Monte
Bello was amazing! It's 72% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 6% Petite Verdot.
This is in their Collector series and rightfully so at $150/bottle. Aromatics full of blackberry, soft licorice
and warm toast. Definitely one of the
smoothest red wines I've had. It's no
doubt this will age for years to come and match up to any fine wine from around
the world. Robert Parker gives it a 98!
In the
end, a big thank you to our hosts in the tasting room and I look forward to drinking
more of what I bought to bring home.
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