So what's new? Once again, winemaker Paul Draper has produced five beautifully made, rich, distinctive Zinfandels. The exceptional 1994 Lytton Springs Zinfandel (a 80% Zinfandel, 13% Petite Sirah, 4% Carignan, 2% Grenache, 1% Alicante blend that achieved 14.3% alcohol) is a big, smoky, ripe, full-bodied wine with outstanding fruit density (oodles of black-cherries and raspberries with a hint of pepper and spice), an unctuous texture, well-hidden alcohol, and a forceful, brawny, velvety-textured finish. It should drink well for 5-7 years. As usual, this is another terrific line-up of Zinfandels from Ridge. NOTE: All the wines in this article were tasted in May, 1996. Tel. (408) 867-3233

Lytton Springs' 1994 Zinfandel is a well-made, rich, full-bodied, ruby/purple-colored, supple, easy to understand wine crammed with pure Zinfandel fruit. It is not complex, nor do I expect it to be especially long-lived despite its 14% alcohol, but it is a beefy, tasty wine for drinking over the next 4-5 years.NOTE: All the wines in this article were tasted in May, 1996.Tel. (707) 433-7721