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Cristaldi Scores

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2023

JONATA

Tierra

This is 100% Sangiovese—just five barrels, all aged in older oak. It carries a brightness and purity of fruit that firmly situates it in Santa Ynez, where high, golden sunlight and Pacific-scented breezes infuse the wine with clarity and lift. There’s no rusticity here—just vibrant raspberry preserves and sage, anchored by firm, taut, mineral-rich tannins. Subtle hints of tobacco thread through the wine’s coiled energy and textural tension. It’s crunchy and precise now, but that structure will soften and deepen with time. These wines evolve into something profoundly savory—layered with loamy earth, liquid leather, and an undeniable sense of soul. Drink it now for its youthful exuberance, or hold it to experience the full savory fireworks still to come.

2023

JONATA

Todos

This is a super expressive, hedonistic wine—full of joyful, buoyant black and red berry fruit. Lovely violet and candied pastille nuances float alongside ultra-fine, powdery tannins and a wet slate minerality. The finish is everlasting, floral, and utterly captivating.

2023

Lavender Oak Vineyard & Winery

Estate Rosé

This estate-grown rosé, made from Merlot, is a distinctive and textural wine with a creamy mid-palate and savory undertones of rose stem and cherry fruit. Smoky minerality threads through a core of crunchy, juicy white plums, accented by a lift of white pepper spice on the lengthy finish. A serious rosé, well-suited to pairing with heartier summer dishes.

2023

Lincourt

Rancho Santa Rosa Chardonnay Steel

Aged entirely in stainless steel, this is a crisp, lemon-driven white with aromas of yellow apple and white flowers. On the palate, it’s bright, zippy, and zesty, with lemon oil and a steely mineral intensity that lingers through the finish. A subtle kiss of vivid dried wild herbs—so emblematic of the area during peak growing season—adds regional character and complexity.

2023

Lincourt

Rancho Santa Rosa Pinot Noir

This expressive and beautifully layered Pinot Noir from the Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills offers a compelling blend of red cherry fruit, agave, violet, and rose stem aromatics. Notes of espresso bean and cherry-rhubarb pie lend richness and warmth, while muscular tannins and cedarwood tones, tinged with incense, provide structure and depth. Spice notes unfold seamlessly across the palate, adding complexity and intrigue. A wonderfully zesty and multidimensional expression from Lincourt.

2023

Liquid Farm

Four Pinot Noir

The ‘Four’ Pinot Noir is a barrel selection comprised in equal parts from Fiddlestix, Pali, Spear, and Radian vineyards. Fermented in stainless steel and aged up to 18 months in a mix of mostly neutral and approximately 25% new French oak, with 15% whole cluster inclusion, this wine offers exceptional complexity and balance. It captures the darker fruit power and tension of Radian, the vivid raspberry brightness of Fiddlestix, the plush texture and softness from Pali, and the spice-driven nuance of Spear. Aromatically expressive, it delivers coriander, incense, and cedarwood wrapped around a medium-bodied palate of pure dark fruit. Sinewy, fine-grained tannins give structure and persistence.

2023

Liquid Farm

Golden Slope Chardonnay

The Golden Slope Chardonnay—sourced from Rita’s Crown, Hilltop, Clos Pepe, Spear, and Kessler-Haak—is native fermented and aged up to 16 months in mostly puncheons, with about 15% new French oak. Founder Jeff Nelson notes that the barrel program plays a vital role in leveraging the muscularity of their whites, particularly in this bottling. The 2023 vintage is among the most focused expressions of Golden Slope in recent memory. It’s as gorgeously layered and fragrant as ever, bursting with lemon and lime zest, apricot, and tangerine oil, framed by supple, juicy fruit and laser-focused saline-acid tension. The finish is long, detailed, and expressive, with crushed Marcona almonds and a hint of honeycomb richness.

2023

Liquid Farm

SBC Pinot Noir

This 100% Pinot Noir “SBC” cuvée (first released in 2015) blends fruit from Fiddlestix, Spear, Pali, La Rinconada, and Radian vineyards. Fermented in open-top stainless steel with punchdowns, the wine is then aged up to 11 months in neutral French oak with about 10% new oak and 10–15% whole cluster inclusion. The result is absolutely gorgeous: vivid ruby red fruit, grapefruit zest, rhubarb, rose petal, and espresso bean aromas lead into a medium-bodied palate of luscious cherry fruit and velvet-textured tannins. Focused and linear, with crunchy acidity that lifts the finish and keeps things fresh and energetic.

2023

Liquid Farm

White Hill Chardonnay

The 2023 White Hill Chardonnay—named in homage to Chablis and the diatomaceous soils of the Sta. Rita Hills—is native fermented and aged for 11 months in a mix of neutral barrels and large-format French barriques (with zero new oak). It showcases exceptional depth and drive thanks to the long, cool growing season. Fruit is sourced from some of the AVA’s most iconic sites: Hilltop, Kessler-Haak, Clos Pepe, Spear, and Rita’s Crown. Lemon peel, white apricot, and honeycomb lead the aromatic charge, while the palate is etched with crackling saline-mineral tension. There’s serious mid-palate density, but also thrilling lift—bright lemon-lime acidity, layered white floral notes, and a mouthwatering brininess that lingers through the long, linear finish. It’s one of the most complete and textural White Hill releases to date.

2023

Longoria Wines

Chardonnay

A perfect snapshot of Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay, this bottling from Longoria opens with a Meyer lemon–infused bouquet that sets the tone for what follows. On the medium- to full-bodied palate, fragrant notes of candied ginger and quince unfold with round, rich texture and silky phenolics. The finish is long and mouthwatering, laced with salted candied lemon peel and a gentle dusting of fragrant baking spices. Just dazzling.

2023

Longoria Wines

La Encantada Vineyard Pinot Noir

From La Encantada Vineyard, this Pinot Noir begins with a gentle, understated bouquet—delicate red berry fruit and subtle spice—but quickly unfolds on the palate with remarkable transformation. What starts as restrained becomes expansive, revealing layers of dark, juicy cherry and plum fruit supported by burly, structured tannins with velvety edges. A firm spine of tangy acidity carries the richness and depth of fruit through a long, spice-laced finish.

2023

Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards

Estate Viognier

Fermented and aged in stainless steel, this medium- to full-bodied white is bursting with character. Expressive notes of hibiscus, honeysuckle, poached pear, and yellow peach mingle with crushed salted almonds. A vein of crunchy, zesty acidity adds tension and brightness, while subtle layers of orange oil carry through to the long, satisfyingly delicious finish. It absolutely beckons for another sip.

2023

Lumen

Goodchild Vineyard Chardonnay

Sourced from Wente clone Chardonnay, this small-production wine (just 125 cases) was fermented in stainless steel and aged for six months in neutral oak. Exotic aromas of mango, papaya, and white peach mingle with lemon zest and zesty ginger. Medium-bodied and supple, the palate is energized by racy acidity, allowing the vivid tropical and stone fruits to gain depth and complexity. The finish is long and textural, framed by chalky minerality and a flourish of pressed white flowers.

2023

Marbeso

Robert Rae Ranch Syrah

Fermented with 100% whole clusters, this Estrella Clone Syrah from Robert Rae Ranch—just 9.5 miles from the Pacific Ocean—delivers all the hallmark aromatics you’d expect: violet, black cherry, and black olive. But what sets it apart is its electrifying structure. Medium-bodied, zippy, and perfumed, it showcases soaring tannins and lip-smacking acidity that gives the wine serious cut and tension. Bright, floral, and bracingly fresh, this Syrah begs to be served with a chill and paired with hearty fare—think rich pastas or wood-fired pizza.

2023

Marbeso

Spear Vineyard Chardonnay

From the Spear Vineyard, this Chardonnay is layered with signature traits of the site: rich honeycomb, overripe lemon, and crushed Marcona almonds. On the palate, it’s textured and expressive, with subtle apple skin tannins framing flavors of yellow apple, ripe pear, and warm baking spices. The wine carries through to a lengthy, beautifully bright finish.

2023

Melville

Estate Chardonnay

The flagship estate Chardonnay is sourced from all four of Melville’s estate ranches. The fruit is harvested overnight and pressed before sunrise into tank, followed by a 24-hour cold settle before being racked to barrel. Fermentation occurs entirely in neutral oak, with the wine aged for eight months prior to bottling. This is a flinty, reductive Chardonnay on the nose, with a candied minerality that lifts its fragrant baking spice character. Layers of Meyer lemon, pear, white peach, and a hint of agave nectar unfold on the palate, all framed by scintillating acidity. The finish is long and complex, marked by crushed Marcona almonds, lime blossoms, and lime zest.

2023

Melville

Estate Pinot Noir

This wine is a blend of fruit from all four of the estate’s ranches: the 40-acre East Side Vineyard, which surrounds the winery; the 40-acre West Side Vineyard, located about half a mile west; Rancho Nuevo, a 36-acre site to the southwest that follows the Santa Ynez River and benefits from cooler conditions; and La Chapelle, their newest planting with roughly 27 acres under vine. A total of 17 different Pinot Noir clones are represented in this blend. Fermentation includes 40% whole clusters in 1.5-ton open-top stainless steel vessels, with hand punchdowns performed twice daily. The wine is pressed to neutral barrels and aged for up to 11 months. Thanks to stem inclusion, the aromatics are fantastically expressive—incense, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cocoa nibs. The palate is medium-bodied with perfectly ripe, assertive tannins that grip all corners of the mouth before resolving into a fine, granular texture. Juicy, plump red berry fruit is tinged with spicy notes of sage and rhubarb, all supported by excellent length and vibrant tension.

2023

Melville

Estate Pinot Noir, Anna's Block

Anna’s Block Pinot Noir comes from the West Side Vineyard and is a combination of Clones 114 and 667, grown on the northern end of the site. The fruit was fermented in 1.5-ton open-top stainless steel bins with 67% whole cluster, then pressed to French oak barrels—roughly 10% new—and aged for up to 15 months. The nose is deeply intriguing: rose petal stems, dusty cherry, and crushed volcanic stone minerality lift from the glass, followed by incense and perfumed rose petals that carry through to the palate. Tart red cherry fruit layers into a juicy mid-palate richness, as this medium-bodied wine builds toward a long finish marked by tobacco-infused tannins and just a whisper of wood smoke. It’s layered, complex, and wildly distinct from Sandy’s Block on the estate—more brooding and muscular, yet still backed by vibrant acidity that makes it an ideal pairing for braised meats or rich mushroom dishes.

2023

Melville

Estate Pinot Noir, Block M

The Block M Pinot Noir comes from the West Side Vineyard, situated on the plateau that rises above The Terraces. It’s planted to a mix of Clones 115 and 114 on clay soils. The clusters here are small, the berries even smaller, with intensely thick skins—and because they receive direct sunlight, the stems ripen fully as well. The wine is fermented with 80% whole cluster in 1.5-ton open-top stainless steel bins, then aged for 15 months in neutral French oak. This is an aromatic wonder, with layers of incense, red berry fruit, rose stem, dried rose petal, and savory notes of dried sage and thyme. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it delivers a dense core of ripe black cherry and spiced plum, along with Chinese five spice and coriander. The tannins are spicy, sinewy, and etched—wrapping around the palate before resolving into a finish marked by dark cocoa. It’s a Pinot Noir for Cabernet Sauvignon lovers—chewy, expressive, and deeply complex.

2023

Melville

Estate Pinot Noir, Sandy's Block

The Sandy’s Block Pinot Noir comes from the east side of the estate, surrounding the winery. Though elevation here is relatively low—around 150 feet—this block sits on the steepest portion of the site, nestled in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The soils are predominantly sandy and silty loam, and a mix of Pinot Noir clones is planted throughout the block. The fruit was night-harvested, followed by a 7-day cold soak in 1.5-ton open-top stainless steel fermenters. The wine was pressed to barrel and aged for 15 months in neutral oak, with about 10% new French oak included. It was made with 50% whole cluster. The aromatics are spicy and expressive—leading with incense and red cherry. On the palate, red fruit builds with apple-skin tannins and cherry pit notes, all framed by a bracing acid profile. There’s an energetic pomegranate seed character that drives the lengthy finish. This is definitely one of the most food-friendly wines in their lineup.

2023

Melville

Estate Pinot Noir, Terraces

The Terraces comes from vines planted on west-facing terraced hillsides, exposed to powerful Pacific winds and afternoon sun. The site transitions from sandy loam at the base to more clay-rich soils near the top. Fermentation took place in 1.5-ton open-top stainless steel bins with 67% whole cluster, followed by 15 months of aging in French oak barrels, about 10% of which were new. This wine opens with a host of rich mineral characteristics on the nose—dusty red cherry, blood orange, and a hint of saline. It’s a more powerful expression, with robust, chunky tannins framing a concentrated core. A saline-scented acidity—almost black sea salt in character—threads through the palate, adding lift and definition. Quite a wine you can chew on—ideal with a well-salted steak.

2023

Paradise Springs Winery

Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard Pinot Noir

Sourced from the Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard—owned by Dave Phinney of Orin Swift fame—this single-vineyard Pinot Noir from Paradise Springs delivers a bold, assertive expression of the site. Bright and tart red fruit leads the way, but it’s the structure that steals the show: robust, powerful tannins grip the palate with authority, finishing bone dry and streaked with piercing, acid-driven brightness.

2023

Piro Wine Company

North Canyon Vineyard, Points West, Chardonnay

Wonderfully savory from the outset, this wine opens with aromas of buttered croissant, apricot jam, and orange marmalade, layered with honeysuckle blossoms. The medium-bodied palate is infused with those same golden-hued flavors, supported by a framework of subtle cherry skin tannins and delicate notes of pressed white flowers. Crushed Marcona almonds add a textured, nutty elegance to the lengthy finish.

2023

Presqu'ile Winery

Chardonnay

Aromatically fresh and clean, this Santa Barbara County Chardonnay from Presqu’ile opens with lime zest, crisp apple, and white peach. The medium-bodied palate follows with fleshy pear and orchard fruit, supported by a subtle creaminess that adds depth without weight. A soaring line of acidity drives the wine, giving it excellent focus and lift, while the mineral finish leaves an impression of finesse.Aged for up to seven months in stainless steel with a portion in neutral barrels, the grapes are sourced from the estate vineyards and select sites around Los Alamos, and crafted under the steady hand of winemaker Dieter Cronje, who has been with the Murphy family since founding the winery in 2008.

2023

Presqu'ile Winery

Pinot Noir

This Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir from Presqu’ile is a beautifully perfumed, spice-driven wine that balances energy with elegance. The nose is alive with soaring spice—Chinese five spice, sandalwood, and a touch of minty lift—while the palate brims with crunchy red cherry, tangy blood orange, and fragrant clove. Medium-bodied and vibrant, it offers a supple, seamless mid-palate framed by saline minerality and a long, textured finish laced with wet slate. Aged 11 months in a combination of neutral French oak and stainless steel, the wine showcases its purity and freshness with ease. Grapes are sourced from the estate vineyards as well as select sites in Santa Maria and Los Alamos. Winemaker is Dieter Cronje, who has guided the Presqu’ile program since its founding in 2008.

2023

Rooted Vine Cellars

Nekton, Grenache Rosé

Just one barrel of this wine was produced, and I feel only slightly guilty they sent me even a single bottle to review (insert smiley face emoji here). But let me tell you—if you can get your hands on any, consider yourself lucky. This is a lovely, expressive, and supple-textured rosé with beautifully lifted orchard and stone fruit notes. The palate offers zesty, salty sea spray, honeydew melon, and perfectly crisp acidity, finishing with honeysuckle aromatics that linger. Way to go, winemaker Iaon Pohlit—this is rocking. More next time, please!

2023

Samsara

Rancho La Vina Pinot Noir

Just nine barrels were produced of this expressive and captivating Pinot Noir, sourced from Rancho La Viña Vineyard. Native yeast fermentation with 100% whole clusters and extended barrel aging lend the wine remarkable complexity and aromatic lift. Black cherry fruit leaps from the glass, laced with incense, smoked paprika, and exotic spice. Finely layered apple-skin tannins provide excellent grip and texture across the mid-palate, while the dark cherry and spice notes carry through an everlasting, savory finish.

2023

Sandhi

Domaine de la Côte Chardonnay Romance

Oh my goodness—just wait until you stick your nose in the glass. As the name suggests, this Chardonnay will romance you (and fool you) into thinking it hails from Burgundy. It doesn’t—it’s pure Sta. Rita Hills—but it delivers all the elegance and tension you’d expect from France. The nose is a stunner: lemon oil, lemon zest, white peach, wet river stone, and that unmistakable crushed oyster shell sea spray character from the region’s diatomaceous-rich soils. And that’s just the beginning. On the palate, it’s broad yet focused, with saline-scented acidity underscoring layers of lemon and tangerine oil. Pressed wildflowers and mineral energy carry the finish, which seems to go on forever.

2023

Sandhi

Jamala Canyon Ranch Pinot Noir White Buffalo Land Trust

From Sashi Moorman (CEO at Povignage and managing partner for Domaine de la Côte, Sandhi Wines, and Evening Lands), comes this striking wine. Just 12 barrels were produced from regeneratively farmed vines nestled in a patch of oak woodland between Highway 1 and the Pacific Ocean, called the Jalama Canyon Ranch, owned by the White Buffalo Land Trust. This marks the third vintage of this bottling, and my first taste confirms what I suspected: if Moorman is behind it, I don’t just want a glass—I want most of the bottle. Tart, ripe, and expressive red berry fruit mingles with vivid white pepper spice and rich cherry pit character, all growing more intense and savory on the medium-bodied palate. Super fine, firm, mineral-rich tannins form a perfect foundation, supporting dusty salinity and waves of juicy, crunchy red berries and orchard fruit—like biting into a tart, crisp red apple or freshly picked raspberry. It’s layered with chalky white pepper and finishing with vibrant tension. Intriguing and complex. The proceeds of this wine go back to the White Buffalo Land Trust, which is focuses on “the principles of regenerative agriculture, we are developing systems that support biodiversity, water resources, soil and human health while enhancing ecosystem services,” according to its website.

2023

Sans Liege Wines

Bien Nacido Vineyard, Sancha, Marsanne

Like a glassful of crunchy, juicy kumquats dusted with crushed almonds and a hint of wildflower honey, this white wine is framed by soaring lime-bright acidity that electrifies the palate. The finish is all candied citrus peel and crushed rock minerality—zesty, bracing, and undeniably vibrant. If you don’t serve it with oysters, you’re missing a golden opportunity.

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Vintage

Wine

Type

Color

Rating

$

2022

Producer

Name

Part of the winery’s single vineyard and small lot program, this estate site—planted in 1989 and named in memory of Fess Parker’s late son-in-law—is primarily dedicated to Rhône varieties. The Syrah here is particularly expressive, leaping from the glass with vivid aromas of black cherry, spiced charcuterie, violets, and cracked black pepper. On the palate, the wine is bold and dense, with elliptical, muscular tannins that support the aromatic profile as flavors, delivering remarkable concentration and grip. The finish is bone dry and tense, with lasting complexity and structure.

2022

Producer

Name

Only five barrels were produced of this Rhône blend from Jaffurs, and it’s a beauty. The nose is utterly captivating—candied violets, black cherry, and vanilla layered over ironstone minerality. The palate is soft and juicy on entry, bursting with plump cherry, blackberry, and spiced plum fruit. Zesty, mouthwatering acidity lifts the wine, while that perfumed violet character returns and lingers through a pretty, medium-length, mineral-driven finish.

2022

Producer

Name

A powerful and impressively robust expression of Grenache, this wine carries its 15.1% alcohol with remarkable balance, showing no perceptible heat but delivering full-bodied richness and textural weight on the mid-palate. Spicy red berry fruit leads the aromatic charge, layered with honeysuckle, apricot, and tangerine peel. Notes of guava, cacao bean, and a subtle touch of caramel on the lengthy finish.

2022

Producer

Name

Planted in 1998 and nestled in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, the Fiddlestix Vineyard benefits from a northwest-facing slope that’s blanketed in cool morning fog and refreshed by afternoon Pacific breezes. In 2022, it delivered a deeply flavorful and expressive Pinot Noir. Aromas of spearmint, pine forest, and black cherry lead into a palate that shifts toward pomegranate, revealing a deep mid-palate of saline-laced acid tension. The tannins are exceptionally fine-grained, providing structure without weight, while the finish unfurls with notes of spiced plum, coriander, and cumin, accented by the faintest whisper of crème brûlée.

2022

Producer

Name

Perched on the far western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, Rancho La Viña Vineyard is relentlessly exposed to Pacific Ocean winds—a defining element that leaves its mark on this robust and expressive Pinot Noir. The wine channels that coastal intensity with a deep core of dark cherry fruit, sea-spray salinity, and aromatic layers of cedarwood, dried rose petals, and crushed sage. Full-bodied and commanding, the tannins are bold and structured, building momentum through a long, mouth-coating finish. Pair this with well-salted red meat or herb-roasted chicken crowned with a rich Béarnaise sauce.

2022

Producer

Name

Sourced from the sustainably farmed Zotovich Vineyard, this Pinot Noir was aged for 16 months in 30% new French oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered. The wine opens with rich black cherry and blackberry fruit layered with expressive cedarwood, wild sage, and pine forest aromatics. On the palate, dark chocolate notes unfold across a medium- to full-bodied frame, supported by fine-grained, velvety tannins. The finish is long and mineral-driven, marked by wet slate and river stone character.

2022

Producer

Name

A striking Roussanne that showcases purity and precision, this wine opens with fresh orchard fruit notes—pear, apple, and a hint of quince—lifted by aromas of almond paste and delicate white flowers. The medium-bodied palate is textured and layered, energized by vibrant lemon-lime acidity that cuts through richer tones of lemon oil, dried apricot, and honeycomb. Expressive and beautifully balanced, it delivers both freshness and depth in equal measure, with a long, energetic finish that lingers on citrus and floral tones.

2022

Producer

Name

Green apple and candied minerality leap from the glass, introducing this vibrant sparkler. Beneath the assertive, fine mousse lies a core of weighty orchard fruit, unfolding with layers of white plum and golden Rainier cherry on the light-bodied palate.

2022

Producer

Name

Sourced from sustainably farmed estate vineyards and aged 10 months sur lies in French oak barrels (31% new), this Pinot Noir is bold and expressive. Aromas of ripe raspberry and strawberry leap from the glass, accented by new wood cedar. The palate is framed by firm, structured tannins and layered with river stone minerality, pressed wildflowers, and a fragrant burst of blood orange that energizes the mid-palate.

2022

Producer

Name

Syrah fruit for this wine comes from both the East Side and West Side estate properties. It was fermented with 65% whole cluster in 1.5-ton open-top stainless steel bins, then pressed to barrel and aged for 11 months prior to bottling. This is a far more approachable Syrah than Donna’s Block—juicier and more supple, with blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry fruit leading the way. The tannins are gentler, yet still carry a crisp, crunchy edge, balanced by expressive, juicy acidity with a blood orange character. Aromatically complex, the wine offers layers of perfumed rose petals, clove, and incense, with dried sage and spearmint adding nuance. Super fresh, inviting, and wonderfully complete.

2022

Producer

Name

Donna’s Block is located on the east side of the estate, surrounding the winery. Fermented with 100% whole cluster in 1.5-ton open-top stainless steel bins, this wine requires foot-stomping in the early days to break things up enough for punchdowns. “The stems are perfectly ripe,” says assistant winegrower Garrett Adelman. After fermentation, the wine is pressed to all neutral oak and aged for 18 months. Typically picked in November, the grapes never become overripe—pH remains low, preserving freshness and balance. Let me tell you: this is one of the most expressive Syrahs you’ll taste from the Sta. Rita Hills. It’s a complex enigma of a wine—medium- to full-bodied, with firm, taut, mineral-laced tannins that carry a subtle meaty quality, reminiscent of the best black truffle charcuterie you’ve ever had. That profound structure frames juicy black cherry, early-season blueberry, and blackberry seed, layered with clove, allspice, incense, rose stem, perfumed violets, both fresh and dried. The finish? So very long. Just—wow.

2022

Producer

Name

Just four barrels were produced of this Donnachadh Vineyard Syrah from Alban and Estrella clones, aged 10 months in French oak. The nose is deeply enticing—rich with spicy charcuterie, violets, and black cherry fruit. On the medium-bodied palate, firm, mineral-laced tannins and zesty saline acidity deliver mouthwatering tension. Layers of blackberry coulis, cherry pit, vanilla, and ironstone minerality unfurl across a long, tightly coiled finish. Still youthful and structured, this wine promises a decade or more of compelling evolution.

2022

Producer

Name

From the Presqu’ile Vineyard comes this elegant, light- to medium-bodied Pinot Noir with supple, velvet-textured tannins and graceful, lifted acidity. Layers of strawberry-rhubarb interlace with bright baking spice notes, while a subtle pink Himalayan sea salt nuance adds intrigue on the medium-length finish.

2022

Producer

Name

The Runaway Vineyard Pinot Noir is a supple, juicy expression of the grape, offering generous dark berry fruit layered with fine cedarwood spice, a hint of agave nectar, and espresso bean. Gentle tannins and medium-bright acidity frame the wine, making for an easy-going, approachable, and thoroughly satisfying sip.

2022

Producer

Name

The winery is part of the historic Mexican land grant once owned by the James Flood family of San Francisco, located along the Sisquoc River in northern Santa Barbara County, east of Santa Maria. This Syrah is fresh and expressive, with bold notes of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and dark chocolate, lifted by floral accents of violets and a touch of white pepper. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it delivers juicy, farmer’s market-style fruit with subtle baking spice nuances. Superfine tannins lend structure and poise, framing a long, balanced finish.

2022

Producer

Name

The winery sits on an original Mexican land grant once owned by the James Flood family of San Francisco, located along the Sisquoc River in northern Santa Barbara County, east of Santa Maria. This Pinot Noir is lush, layered, and expressive, offering ripe raspberry and cherry fruit bracketed by firm, mineral-scented tannins. Notes of blood orange and crushed cacao nibs underscore the wine’s saline-acid finish, which brings excellent tension and length.

Vintage

Wine

Type

Rating

$

2022

2022 Fess Parker Winery Rodney’s Vinyeard Syrah

Still Wine

N/A

2022

2022 Jaffurs Wine Cellars High Tide Red Rhone Blend

Still Wine

N/A

2022

2022 Kaena Wine Tierra Alta Vineyard Grenache

Still Wine

N/A

2022

2022 Ken Brown Wines Fiddlestick Vineyard Pinot Noir

Still Wine

N/A

2022

2022 Ken Brown Wines Rancho La Vina Vineyard Pinot Noir

Still Wine

N/A

2022

2022 Koehler Wine Estate Zotovich Pinot Noir

Still Wine

N/A

2022

2022 Lindquist Family Wines Bien Nacido Hillside Vineyard Roussanne

Still Wine

N/A

2022

2022 Loubud Wines Peake Ranch Blanc de Noirs

Sparkling Wine

N/A

2022

2022 Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir

Still Wine

N/A

2022

2022 Melville Estate Syrah

Still Wine

$$

2022

2022 Melville Estate Syrah, Donna’s Block

Still Wine

$$

2022

2022 Paradise Springs Winery Donnachadh Vineyard Syrah

Still Wine

N/A

2022

2022 Piro Wine Company Presqu’ile Vineyard Pinot Noir

Still Wine

N/A

2022

2022 Piro Wine Company Runway Vineyard Pinot Noir

Still Wine

N/A

2022

2022 Rancho Sisquoc Winery Estate Syrah

Still Wine

N/A

2022

2022 Rancho Sisquoc Winery Flood Family Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir

Still Wine

N/A

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