Ridge Lytton Springs 2006 Impresses Wine Enthusiasts

Denise and Randy enjoy a sunny day at The Lobster in Santa Monica and sample the bold, jammy Zinfandel blend.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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On a bright Saturday, Denise and Randy visited The Lobster restaurant in Santa Monica, taking in the stunning ocean views. While there, they sampled the Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs Zinfandel, which they found to be a bold, jammy, and well-structured wine with notes of grape jam, spice, licorice, and leather.

Why it matters

The review of this Zinfandel blend highlights the continued popularity and acclaim of Ridge Vineyards' Lytton Springs wine, which has been a standout in the California wine scene for decades. The story also showcases how the right wine can elevate a leisurely lunch overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The details

Denise ordered the lobster while Randy broke from tradition and had the BBQ salmon. To start, Denise had a crab salad and Randy had hummus and olives. The Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs Zinfandel, a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Grenache, and likely Carignane, impressed the couple with its bold, jammy profile, featuring notes of grape jam, spice, licorice, and leather.

  • The lunch took place on a bright Saturday.

The players

Denise

Denise accompanied Randy to lunch at The Lobster and sampled the Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs Zinfandel.

Randy Fuller

Randy visited The Lobster in Santa Monica with his wife Denise and reviewed the Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs Zinfandel they sampled.

Ridge Vineyards

A renowned California winery known for its acclaimed Lytton Springs Zinfandel blend.

The Lobster

A longstanding seafood restaurant located at the foot of the Santa Monica Pier, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

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What they’re saying

“The smell of this wine is absolutely stunning. Huge grape jam dominates the nostrils, reminding Denise at first of Jello, before it has set in the fridge. I picked up some meaty notes, too.”

— Randy Fuller (nowandzin.com)

“The taste is quite forceful. It doesn't just roll over your palate, it marches across it. It's a dark, strong tasting wine. The jammy "Welches" streak runs through it as it did on the nose, with spiciness and licorice to boot. A pretty hefty touch of leather comes over, too. It is quite dry - muscular, you might say.”

— Randy Fuller (nowandzin.com)

The takeaway

The review of the Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel highlights the continued excellence and popularity of this California wine, which can elevate a casual yet scenic dining experience overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The bold, jammy profile of the wine makes it a standout in the Zinfandel category.