Ridge Vineyards, Lytton Estate Petite Sirah 2018
Product Information
Country USA
Region California
Grape Variety 97% Petite Sirah, 3% Zinfandel
Vintage 2018
ABV 13.8%
If you are looking to buy Ridge Lytton Estate Petite Sirah 2018, this is a particularly compelling vintage for lovers of powerful California red wine. Made from estate-grown fruit at Ridge Vineyards’ Lytton Springs property in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley, the 2018 combines Petite Sirah’s naturally deep colour, concentration and tannic structure with remarkable freshness and mineral detail.
The vintage received an outstanding 96 points from Antonio Galloni of Vinous, alongside 93 points from The Wine Advocate, 93 from Wine & Spirits, 93 from Zinfandel Chronicles, 92 from Jeb Dunnuck and 92 from Wine Enthusiast.
Vintage-Specific Overview: 2018 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah
The 2018 growing season was unusually balanced at Lytton Springs. Ridge describes it as a “Goldilocks” vintage: harvest began at a more typical time, temperatures were warm without being excessively hot, and a long ripening period allowed the grapes to develop gradually. The Lytton Springs harvest ultimately stretched for more than seven weeks.
For the Petite Sirah, the majority of fruit came from the clay-rich soils of Lytton West. The small berries produced intense colour and flavour, while Ridge's winemaking focused on managing the variety's substantial tannins. The grapes were destemmed but fermented as whole berries using native yeasts, with limited pumpovers and eight days before pressing. The wine then spent 15 months in American oak barrels.
This makes the 2018 distinctive among recent Lytton Estate vintages: it has the classic muscularity expected from Petite Sirah, but its concentration is balanced by freshness, mineral character, and an unusually layered palate.
Tasting Notes
Ridge's own tasting note describes an intriguing nose of leather, fig, and rose petal, followed by a full-bodied palate with well-coated tannins, mint, and black olive before a long, mineral-driven finish.
Expect a deeply coloured, structured red with layers of:
• Cassis and dark blue fruit
• Blueberry, black cherry and plum
• Leather and turned earth
• Liquorice and anise
• Lavender and mint
• Coffee, smoke, and dark chocolate
• Chalky/mineral nuances
With air, the wine's dark fruit and savoury complexity become increasingly expressive. Its substantial tannins and acidity provide the framework for extended bottle ageing.
2018 Ridge Lytton Estate Petite Sirah: Critics' Scores
The 2018 vintage earned an impressive collection of professional reviews:
• 96 points: Antonio Galloni, Vinous
• 93 points: Erin Brooks, The Wine Advocate
• 93 points: Wine & Spirits
• 93 points: Zinfandel Chronicles
• 92 points: Jeb Dunnuck
• 92 points: Wine Enthusiast
Galloni praised the wine's combination of rich Petite Sirah fruit and old-school structure, highlighting dark blue and purple fruit alongside leather, liquorice, lavender, menthol, and gravel. Erin Brooks found it concentrated and firm but notably fresh, with cassis, blue fruit, coffee, earth, and anise.
Wine Enthusiast called the 2018 firm and muscular, recommending it for the cellar and identifying roast blueberry, cranberry, charcoal, bitter chocolate and woodsmoke. Its published drinking recommendation was from 2028.
What Makes This Vintage Special?
The 2018 is the tenth vintage of Petite Sirah from Lytton Estate. The property has remarkable history: its oldest Petite Sirah vines date to 1901, while other plantings range through to 2008. Ridge began bottling Lytton Estate Petite Sirah separately in the early 2000s, with the first national release arriving in 2009.
Compared with the 2017 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah, which was 94% Petite Sirah and 6% Zinfandel and earned 94 points from James Suckling, the 2018 has a higher Petite Sirah proportion and a particularly compelling combination of power, freshness, and mineral definition.
The result is a serious cellar-worthy California Petite Sirah that can appeal both to collectors and to drinkers who enjoy rich, full-bodied reds.
Food Pairings
The intensity of this wine makes it an excellent match for equally robust food. Buy Ridge Lytton Estate Petite Sirah 2018 for a dinner featuring:
• Slow-braised beef short ribs or pot roast
• Grilled steak with pepper or herb sauces
• Lamb shank or roast lamb
• Barbecued beef and smoky ribs
• Gourmet burgers with mature cheese
• Venison and other game
• Spiced dishes featuring black pepper, herbs, or smoky flavours
Ridge specifically recommends pairing Petite Sirah with rich or fatty foods and bold spices and herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Ridge Lytton Estate Petite Sirah 2018 worth buying?
A. Yes. With a 96-point Vinous score and multiple additional scores of 92–93 points, the 2018 is one of the more highly rated Lytton Estate Petite Sirah releases and offers both immediate richness and significant ageing potential.
Q. How long can I cellar the 2018 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah?
A. Ridge states that this full-bodied wine should age nicely for around 15 years, while individual critics also highlighted its ageing potential. Wine Enthusiast recommended waiting until 2028, making it an attractive choice for collectors seeking a mature California red in the years ahead.
Q. What does 2018 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah taste like?
A. It is rich, dark, and full-bodied, with cassis, blueberry, plum, leather, liquorice, mint, black olive, coffee, earth, and mineral notes. Firm but well-coated tannins and fresh acidity provide balance.
Q. What is the blend?
A. The 2018 is 97% Petite Sirah and 3% Zinfandel, giving the wine a classic Petite Sirah foundation with a small contribution from Zinfandel.
Q. What should I serve with Petite Sirah?
A. Choose rich, savoury dishes such as steak, braised beef, lamb, barbecue, game, and strongly seasoned dishes. Its full body and structured tannins make it particularly well suited to substantial food.
