Ridge Vineyards, Lytton Estate Petite Sirah 2019
Product Information
Country USA
Region California
Grape Variety Petite Sirah
Vintage 2019
ABV 14.3%
If you are looking to buy Ridge Lytton Estate Petite Sirah 2019, this is a vintage worth seeking out for its combination of concentration, freshness, and unusually polished tannins. Produced from estate-grown Petite Sirah in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley, the 2019 delivers the deep colour, dark fruit and structure associated with the variety, but with an elegance that makes this red wine particularly compelling.
The vintage earned an impressive 95 points from Antonio Galloni of Vinous, with further strong scores of 94 from Owen Bargreen, 93 from Jeb Dunnuck and 92 from Decanter.
Vintage-Specific Overview: 2019 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah
The 2019 growing season produced a particularly expressive Lytton Estate Petite Sirah. Ridge harvested the grapes between 17 September and 3 October, with an average ripeness of 24.5° Brix. The finished wine has 14.3% alcohol, 6.05 g/L total acidity and a pH of 3.67.
Unlike the 2018, which contained a small percentage of Zinfandel, the 2019 is 100% Petite Sirah. The grapes were hand-harvested, destemmed and fermented as whole berries using native yeasts, with limited pumpovers. The wine subsequently spent 16 months in American oak, including 25% new oak. Ridge specifically notes that this ageing helped soften Petite Sirah's naturally formidable tannins.
Ridge describes the 2019 as a wine built to age and estimates a drinking window of approximately 12–15 years, making it an attractive proposition for both collectors and drinkers who enjoy structured, cellar-worthy California reds.
Tasting Notes
The 2019 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah is deeply coloured and full-bodied, with a rich aromatic profile of plum, fig and dark chocolate.
On the palate, expect layers of:
• Ripe plum and bramble fruit
• Black cherry and blueberry
• Dark chocolate
• Baking spices
• Leather and tobacco
• Fresh tarragon and roasted herbs
• Espresso and mineral notes
The finish is long and mineral-driven, supported by fresh acidity and substantial but well-coated tannins. Ridge's tasting note highlights the wine's ripe bramble character, baking spice, and fresh tarragon, while Antonio Galloni found black cherry, plum, exotic spice, leather, tobacco, and incense.
2019 Ridge Lytton Estate Petite Sirah: Critics' Scores
The 2019 vintage received a strong collection of professional reviews:
• 95 points: Antonio Galloni, Vinous
• 94 points: Owen Bargreen
• 93 points: Jeb Dunnuck
• 92 points: Karen MacNeil, Decanter
Galloni particularly praised the wine's weight and substance while noting that the normally formidable Petite Sirah tannins had been handled exceptionally well. Jeb Dunnuck similarly highlighted its concentrated dark fruit, chocolate, chalky minerality and roasted-herb character, describing it as balanced with good freshness and structure.
Decanter took a more traditional view of the variety, describing the 2019 as a powerful wine with significant tannic structure and suggesting rich dishes such as lamb shanks or short ribs.
What Makes the 2019 Vintage Special?
The 2019 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah is distinct from the 2018 because it is 100% Petite Sirah, rather than the 97% Petite Sirah and 3% Zinfandel blend used in 2018. It also spent 16 months in barrel, compared with 15 months for the 2018.
The vineyard itself adds another layer of history. Ridge's Lytton Estate contains Petite Sirah vines planted as early as 1901, alongside younger plantings dating to 2008. Ridge has made wine from the property since 1972 and began bottling Petite Sirah separately in limited quantities in the early 2000s.
For those comparing vintages, the 2019 is especially attractive if you want a pure, structured expression of Lytton Estate Petite Sirah, with the richness of the variety balanced by acidity and carefully managed tannins.
Food Pairings
The powerful structure of this wine calls for equally substantial food. Try Ridge Lytton Estate Petite Sirah 2019 with:
• Braised beef short ribs
• Roast or slow-cooked lamb
• Lamb shanks
• Grilled ribeye or steak
• Smoky barbecue and beef brisket
• Venison and other game
• Rich mushroom and meat stews
• Strongly seasoned dishes with herbs and spices
For the best pairing, choose foods with enough richness and protein to complement the wine's concentration and tannic structure. Decanter specifically recommends lamb shanks and short ribs for the 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Ridge Lytton Estate Petite Sirah 2019 worth buying?
A. Yes. The 2019 received 95 points from Vinous, 94 from Owen Bargreen and 93 from Jeb Dunnuck, making it a highly rated vintage with both immediate appeal and ageing potential.
Q. How long can I cellar the 2019 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah?
A. Ridge estimates that the wine will be enjoyable for approximately 12–15 years. Jeb Dunnuck similarly suggested 15+ years of longevity, while Wine Enthusiast recommended waiting until 2028.
Q. What does 2019 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah taste like?
A. It is rich, full-bodied, and deeply fruity, with plum, fig, black cherry, blueberry, dark chocolate, baking spice, leather, tobacco, herbs, and mineral notes.
Q. Is the 2019 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah 100% Petite Sirah?
A. Yes. Unlike some earlier vintages, the 2019 is 100% Petite Sirah.
Q. Should I decant the 2019 Petite Sirah?
A. Decanting is recommended if drinking it young. The wine has substantial structure, and additional air can help reveal its dark fruit, spice and savoury complexity while softening its tannins. Wine & Spirits specifically recommended giving the wine plenty of air if opened young.
