Today we've got two delightful picks for you from Santa Barbara County in the southern part of the California's Central Coast.
Up first is the 2012 Byron Santa Barbara County Chardonnay which is 100% Chardonnay aged in 100% French oak. It has an SRP of $17 and is available widely for as low as $12. Sample submitted for review.
From the bottle:
"You are here. That's the beautiful thing about wine -- it can transport you halfway around the globe. In this case, here is Santa Barbara, a region that Byron helped pioneer decades ago. This Chardonnay is lush with notes of citrus, honey and brown spice.
13.8% Alcohol"
The 2012 Byron Santa Barbara County Chardonnay begins with nice, fresh aromas of pear, green apple, a little spice and fig. This is quite a tasty wine with nice tangy citrus fruit, a little baking spice, honey and mineral notes. Light buttery notes lead into the finish. This one was aged in 100% French oak which is usually not my favorite style but I gotta admit this is a very nice, basic Chardonnay that is sure to please.
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
Overall Rating: 7.0
Recommended Buy
Next is the 2012 Byron Santa Barbara County Pinot Noirwhich is 100% Pinot Noir aged for 8 months in 100% French oak. It has an SRP of $20 and is available widely for as low as $15. Sample submitted for review.From the bottle:
"You are here. That's the beautiful thing about wine -- it can transport you halfway around the globe. In this case, here is Santa Barbara, a region that Byron helped pioneer decades ago. This Pinot Noir is provocative with notes of rose petal, red plum and smoke.
13.8% Alcohol"
The 2012 Byron Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir begins with aromas of red and black cherry, strawberry, a little spice box and earth. It's quite good and its best after a couple hours of air. Tasting the wine reveals lots of juicy fruit plus a nice earthy and spicy streak that adds a lot of character. Smooth and delicious with good acidity, this is a very accessible wine. Secondary notes of oak, cola, licorice and a hint of tobacco lead into the dry, long, dark fruit and black pepper filled finish.
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
