Wines from Santa Barbara County
Rusack 2008 Ballard Canyon Estate Syrah (Santa Barbara County)
- $36
From Rusack’s estate vineyard, this is a very fine, young Syrah. It shows rich blackberry, red currant, licorice, cocoa, smoked meat and sandalwood flavors, but is also quite tannic, and some of those tannins come from new oak. If you drink it now, give it a good decant. Should hold in the bottle for at least six years.
— S.H.
(6/1/2011)
La Fenêtre 2009 Los Alamos Vineyard Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County)
- Online Exclusive
- $35
Lots of fine structure in this Chardonnay, with crisp acidity, minerals and even some firm tannins giving a framework to the tangerine and smoky oak flavors. Feels tight and elegant in the mouth. Drink this upscale Chard with rich fare, like ahi tuna and steamed lobster with drawn butter.
— S.H.
(12/31/2011)
Blair Fox 2009 Thompson Vineyard Syrah (Santa Barbara County)
- Online Exclusive
- $42
Richness defines this ripe Syrah. It dazzles with blackberry and cherry jam, dark chocolate and exotic spice flavors, while firm tannins provide supportive structure. Oak adds additional tannins and a smoky, toasty coat. Drink now and through 2015.
— S.H.
(5/1/2012)
Blair Fox 2009 Paradise Road Vineyard Syrah (Santa Barbara County)
- $37
Enormously rich, with intense blackberry and cherry jam, currant, dark chocolate and bacon flavors, wrapped into firm tannins. The vineyard is in a warm, high elevation part of the county. Delicious now, and should acquire additional bottle interest over the next six years.
— S.H.
(4/1/2012)
Andrew Murray 1997 Esperance Red (Santa Barbara County)
- $18
Here’s a Rhône blend every bit as complex and elegant as a fine Napa Cabernet. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre contribute berries, earth, violets, pepper and chocolate. Everything really comes together here. A wonderful wine.
— S.H.
(6/1/1999)
Fess Parker 1999 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County)
- $45
Huge, extracted, a giant wine. There’s an explosion of fruit, great weight and depth of flavor, with masses of berries and tree fruits, tomatoes, and herbs. Despite the size, it maintains a subtle harmony and finesse. Defines its terroir, and will soften and mellow with time.
— S.H.
(12/15/2001)
Gainey 2001 Limited Selection Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County)
- Editors' Choice
- $35
An enormous, complex, brooding and extraordinary Pinot Noir, a blend of Bien Nacido and Gainey’s Santa Rosa Hills vineyards. Opens with a blast of peppery, cherry fruit, with tobacco and minty overtones. The rich berry flavors in a creamy texture, with sweet oak tannins, feel ripe, plush and terrific in the mouth. Editors’ Choice.
— S.H.
(7/1/2003)
Fess Parker 2001 Ashley's Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County)
- $45
A monumental Pinot that showcases the potential of the Santa Rita Hills area. This wine impresses with the depth and complexity of its raspberry, cherry, spicebox, tobacco and vanilla flavors that coat the palate with delicious intensity. For all its size, the acids and tannins are fine and balanced, keeping the mouthfeel silky and refined.
— S.H.
(3/1/2004)
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The bold, fruity scent and lingering finish evoke berries and bananas…
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