2012 Ridge Lytton Springs Dry Creek Valley

(93 points) "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 Paul 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." Vinous