Made from 70% Zinfandel, 17% Petit Verdot and the rest Carignan and Mataro, the 1999 Lytton Springs is a gorgeous wine that's a testament to the ageability of the Zinfandels made at this estate. Supple, sexy, and ready to go with lots of blackberry, cedary spice and truffle, it's medium to full-bodied, has ample mid-palate fruit and a seamless, silky texture. It's drinking at point and not going to get any better, but it should have no problems holding nicely going forward either.

The attractive 1999 Zinfandel Lytton Station (84% Zinfandel, 7% Petite Sirah, 6% Grenache, and 3% Carignan with14.4% alcohol) is a soft, medium-bodied, elegant effort offering currant and cherry flavors in a restrained, measured style. Spicy and round, it is best consumed over the next 3-4 years. Tel. (408) 867-3233

Dark but not heavy, and livelier than this brooding profile sounds: Black cherry, cocoa and forest-floor aromas deepen considerably after a few minutes in the glass. Dark black fruit, oak and fresh green herb flavors smolder on the juicy palate. Finishes really long, with significant doses of blackberry, soil, nut and mineral (linger over it long enough and you’ll also catch traces of unsweetened chocolate). This vintage contains 70% Zin (backed up by Petite Sirah, Carignane and Mataro). —D.M.——D.T.(3/1/2002)—— 91