Category Archives: Santa Barbara County

Foxen Williamson-Dore Syrah 2006

Foxen, Santa Ynez Valley, Williamson-Dore Vineyard, Syrah 2006 This vintage exudes sweetness, like berry jam and raspberry liqueur. In the mouth it is supple and warm, oaky and smoky – a very rich and ripe style of red wine. The … Continue reading

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Rancho Sisquoc Riesling 2007

Rancho Sisquoc, Santa Barbara County, Riesling 2007 The fruit in the nose has a candied character and a bit of petrol has developed.  In the mouth is the perfect ratio of sweet to tart, residual sugar balancing acidity – very … Continue reading

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Zaca Mesa Viognier 2008

Zaca Mesa, Santa Ynez Valley, Estate Grown and Bottled, Viognier 2008 This wine is very peachy and sweet appearing, slippery and rich. Fermentation began in stainless and then the wine spent 3 mos in neutral fr oak; malolactic was avoided. … Continue reading

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Fess Parker Big Easy Syrah

Fess Parker, Santa Barbara County, The Big Easy, Syrah 2005 The nose features stewed black fruits, prunes and a heavy wack of oak. In the mouth, the wine is soft, oaky, lowish in acidity and warm. There’s a sense of … Continue reading

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Pinot Noir Old World and New

Foley, Sta. Rita Hills, Rancho Santa Rosa, Pinot Noir 2007 There is ripe candied fruit in the nose while the mouth is supple and elegant with oak working in a supportive role in the backgound. P&B in Lompoc 14.3% $35.99 … Continue reading

Posted in Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes de Nuits, Burgundy, California, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Sta. Rita Hills | Leave a comment

Central Coast Pinot Stars

Siduri, Sta. Rita Hills, Cargasacchi Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2007 The nose features lots of fresh, candied fruit. The mouth captures the same essence, fruit driven and ready to drink. P&B in Santa Rosa 14.1% $47.49 at Bottle Barn Siduri Wines … Continue reading

Posted in Arroyo Grande Valley, California, Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills | Leave a comment

California Viognier

This flight provides an interesting contrast in California Viognier. Both are well-made but different animals entirely. The Preston is lighter, fresher, with aromatics that might remind one of a dry California Gewurztraminer. The Cold Heaven is rich, thick and buttery, … Continue reading

Posted in California, Dry Creek Valley, Santa Barbara County, Santa Ynez Valley, Sonoma County, Viognier | Leave a comment

Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Pinot Noir 2005

Kendall-Jackson, Santa Barbara 63% and Monterey County 37%, Grand Reserve, Pinot Noir 2005 There’s sweet, candied fruit smells and a supple, fruity palate graced by the sweetness of oak. The grapes are all Pinot Noir. The wine was aged in … Continue reading

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Foley Pinot Noirs 2006

Lincourt, Santa Barbara County, Pinot Noir 2006 There’s cooked fruit, cherries and plums that you might warm through for topping your ice cream. The palate shows the follow-on in the mouth in a supple format. This wine is a compilation … Continue reading

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Foxen Toasted Rope Syrah 2006

Foxen, Santa Ynez Valley, Toasted Rope, Syrah 2006 There are raisins and freshly stewed fruits in the nose, like the smells you get when making a warm compote in the winter. The mouth is extremely supple and sweet appearing, with … Continue reading

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