Santa Barbara – Wine and Whiskey Geek

Ken Brown Rancho La Vina Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010

December 30, 2017/in California, COLOR, Ken Brown Wines, Pinot Noir, Red, Santa Barbara, Sta. Rita Hills, United States, WINE /by j0hnw1n3wh15k3y

Pinot Noir lovers need to introduce themselves to Ken Brown Wines!

Located on the southern edge of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, the winery specializes in small lot Pinot Noirs with about 3,000 cases produced annually with most lots at less than 250 cases.

I highly recommend that you stop in for a visit the next time you are in Santa Barbara as all of his wines are stunning and well priced.

The 2010 Ken Brown Rancho La Vina Vineyard Pinot Noir is absolutely irresistible!

The only thing more incredible is that the bottle only cost $39, this is especially striking when you consider that only 166 cases of the Rancho La Vina Pinot were produced in 2010.

This is a big, expressive effort whose brilliant violet color and enticing fruit aromas are just a precursor of what is to follow.

Intense, mouthwatering black cherry and blueberry flavors overwhelm the palate, while licorice and hints of raspberry can be detected in the lush rounded tannins on the exquisite finish.

I rate the wine a 9.2 on a 10 point scale.

Lafond Syrah 2011

December 4, 2017/in California, Everyday Reds, Red, Santa Barbara, Shiraz, Sta. Rita Hills, Syrah, United States, WINE /by j0hnw1n3wh15k3y

Sta. Rita Hills in Santa Barbara County produces high quality Syrah and Pinot Noir at very attractive prices.

Lafond Winery in Sta. Rita Hills has been producing fabulous Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah since the 1970s.

The 2011 Lafond Syrah SRH is a fun wine. Blueberry and floral aromas are followed by pepper and cola flavors.

There is just enough acidity to balance the dusty tannins.

This medium body wine is ready to drink now or over the next 2 years.

Bargain hunters will be delighted by the $23 price tag, and just as happy with the juice inside

Sanford Pinot Noir

December 2, 2017/in California, Red, Sanford, Santa Barbara, Sta. Rita Hills, United States, WINE /by j0hnw1n3wh15k3y

Delille Cellars Grand Ciel from Red Mountain 2010

Bargain Hunters Delight! Big Values in California Wine Country!

Santa Rita Hills in Santa Barbara County is a treasure trove for Pinot Noir enthusiasts.

The 2012 Sanford Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir is the winery’s entry level Pinot and is a prime example of what this region has to offer.

Crisp raspberry, black cherry and cola flavors jump from the glass and captivate your tastebuds.

While mouthwatering acids and supple tannins allows it to pair neatly with poultry and pork dishes or to be enjoyed by itself.

And for $30 this wine is a steal!