Overall impressions: as expected, the wines were usually fabulous and the food was superb. Anticipation has been running high for the 2003 and 2004 vintages, and this has again been one of the most eagerly awaited tastings of wines from Santa Barbara County vineyards. This year seemed more crowded than usual, which was somewhat to the rain which had been persisting the last couple of days. Unfortunately, this required the Wine Cask to abandon using their patio, which I'm certain would have spred out the tasters.

Once again, it was exciting to see a large number of new labels (as well as those new or returning to this event) represented in this tasting - which meant many new Syrahs and Pinots, as well as some interesting new blends in the lineup. While I continue to find delicious Chardonnays made in Santa Barbara County, the 'alternative' whites like Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and even Albarino are really taking over at the local tastings.

This year, the tables were filled with excellent Syrahs - many of which came from the 'usual suspects,' including Beckmen, and Kenneth-Crawford, with a very nice entry from Rick Longoria. But there was a giant-killer out there this time -- a Bien Nacido Syrah from Paul Lato that was absolutely stunning! Sadly, Samsara wasn't in attendance at the event, so I wasn't able to try try the wines. And, once again the Tensley table ran out of wine very early in the event - so I missed trying these as well.

On the Pinot Noir side of things, kudos again to Paul Lato again, as well as to Kenneth-Crawford, Longoria, and Rusack. There were also a couple of very limited production wines included in the tasting -- both from Bonaccorsi. Thankfully, they were pouring the wines - which were great. Unfortunately, there won't be enough of it to go around. Well, there's always plenty of other Pinots to choose from.

2003 Pinot Noir "Fiddlestix" $23.95.
Lots of dark cherry in the nose. Excellent balance, plenty of dark fruit on the palate, with a long smooth finish. Certainly a bargain in Fiddlestix fruit. 110 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2003 Syrah/Grenache - SYV $22.95.
Very nice aromatics of red and black fruit, along with a bit of floral. Full mouthfeel, very nice balance and long finish. 160 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: this re-named venture by Peter and Rebecca Work (formerly Wine@Work) is off to a great start. Their own vineyards are due to go online this year, so this may represent the last of their fruit outsourcing.

2002 Pinot Noir "Fiddlestix" $39.95.
nice fruit-driven aromatics, with just a hint of earth. Sweet-sour flavors, fleshy and very gripping in mouthfeel. 500 cases produced. Overall score: A-

2002 Syrah "La Genisse" $11.95.
AKA, "the fat chick," is very Cote du Rhone in the nose, with a soft fleshy mid and latter palate. Look at the price!! 500 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: Joe Davis' re-emergence at this futures tasting gives buyers a chance to secure some Arcadian at pre-market prices.

Bryan Babcock (l), Jim Clendenen

2003 Pinot Noir "La Bauge" $23.95.
Sourced from Bien Nacido, this is classic ABC Pinot. Plenty of strawberry fruit, lighter in oak than the rest of the pack, but has a nice bite to the finish. 1000 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2003 Pinot Noir "Sanford & Benedict" $39.95. Sourced from 7 yr old vines, this has a nice framework, darker fruit, and a more earthy nose than the "Bauge." 100% new oak, but wears it well. 150 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2003 Pinot Noir "Knox Alexander" $35.95. Wow, fantastic, and beautiful! Gorgeous lightly sweet fruit, nose of strawberry and black cherry, chewy texture, long smooth finish. 100% new oak, 100% Killer juice! Sourced mostly from Bien Nacido fruit. 500 cases produced. Overall score: A

2003 Pinot Noir "Isabelle Morgan" $44.95. Darker in cherry flavors than the "Knox," and slightly fleshier in mouthfeel, with a touch more earth. Excellent! Sourced mostly from S&B fruit. 300 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: got to Jim Clendenen's table early, and went through these stellar Pinots. The "Knox" edged out the "Isabelle" as my favorite.

2003 "Piocho" $23.95.
Nice cassis-scented and slight herbed nose. Lightly sweet mouthfeel to this 68% Cab-based Bordeaux blend, and long delicious finish. 625 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: sourced from the Barrack Vnyd east of Hwy 154 in Happy Cyn, this is more proof that Cabernet and friends are now doing well in the Valley.

2003 Pinot Noir "Santa Rita Hills" $25.95.
Huge-framed, this Pinot is jam-packed with black cherry and blackberry in the nose and mouth. Chewy and brooding, the balance and long finish belie most Pinots. 200 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: one of a couple of wines that didn't make the catalog comes this offering from Bruno D'Alfonso (Sanford). From the the 'bigger is better' philosophy, this huge Pinot Noir that is bound to elicit its comparison with a Syrah. I don't care - I still liked it!

2004 Grenache "Purisima Mountain Vineyard" $27.95. Nose of roasted coffee, raspberry compote and touches of cake spice. Rich and smooth, with a meaty and chewy mouthfeel, and a long lingering finish. 250 cases produced. Overall score: A

2004 Syrah "Purisima Mountain Vineyard Clone 1" $27.95. Lots of espresso and primal blackberry in the nose, with additional tarry scents. Chewy and rich, with a smooth long finish. 500 cases produced. Overall score: A-

2004 Syrah "Purisima Mountain Vineyard Block Six" $27.95. Similar to the Clone 1 in profile, this bottling has more interesting herbal and tarry components, but iut somewhat less smooth and rich. 500 cases produced. Overall score: A-

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon "Purisima Mountain Vineyard" $31.95. Loaded with cassis and dark plum, i continue to be amazed at many of the Cabernet-based wines made from this part of the AVA. Beautiful! 225 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: the Grenache is up in price this year. But, it's also more buff now. All of these wines are stunning examples of Steve Beckmen's craftmanship.

2003 Pinot Noir "Sanford & Benedict" $43.95.
More classically styled of the two bottlings, the strawberry and earth in the nose give way to some lovely floral tones. Mouthfeel is beautifully balanced, with neither fruit nor acids overwhelming one another. 110 cases produced - but limited to 1 bottle. Overall score: A-

2003 Pinot Noir "Fiddlestix" $36.95.
Nose of bing and black cherry and earth mingle with a light spicy scent. Beautiful on the palate, the wine seems bigger and the fruit darker, with a nice light sweetness to the very long finish. 480 cases produced - but limited to 3 bottles. Overall score: A-

Comments: these wines were the last to be made by Michael Bonaccorsi, who tragically passed away last year. Finished by Greg Brewer, they represent an interesting transition to the Bonaccorsi label.

2004 Pinot Noir "Cargasacchi" $31.95.
The nose seemed heavily sulfured and/or reduced, disguising the dark fruit beneath. Full and chewy mouthfeel, plenty of dark fruit, very nice balance, and slightly tannic long finish. 100 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2004 Pinot Noir "Pt. Concepcion" $31.95.
Nose of sweet black cherry and earth. Surprisingly thick and tasty, moderately soft mouthfeel, but seems to pick up weight on the finish. 100 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: I expected to immediately prefer the "regular" Cargasacchi Vnyd bottling, but the Pt. Concepcion was decidely more open at this time. However, both of these wines are highly recommended.

2003 Merlot "Estate" $26.95. Big effusive cassis and plum, with plenty of spice and toast. Rich and chewy on the palate, this is a steak of a Merlot, and wimps need not apply. 300 cases produced.
Overall score: B+

2003 Syrah "Estate" $26.95. Beautiful floral overtones mingle with blackberry and light anise. Chewy and smooth, excellent balance and very long finish. 280 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: so, Myles isn't drinking any @%&*ing Merlot, huh. Well the 'Sideways' character ought to try THIS Merlot.

2004 Pinot Noir "Santa Rita Hills" $23.95. Slightly reticent nose of cherry and strawberry. Though a bit soft in mouthfeel, there is a very nice core of fruit throughout, with good balance, and long finish. 175 cases produced. Overall score: B

Comments: this relatively new Estate producer is located in the eastern portion of the Santa Rita Hills, off Mail Road.

2004 Viognier "Sanford & Benedict Old Vine" $27.95. Nose of white peach and nectarine. Crisp mouthfeel, very nice balance, lightly dry flavors, long finish. 75 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2003 Syrah "Second Sin" $31.95.
Made from a blend of barrels from both warm and cool climate vineyards within the valley. Spicy and peppery blackberry nose. Very nice feel on the palate, spicy dark fruit, herbed taste to the long finish. 175 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: nice job on both of these wines from Morgan Clendenen.

2002 Hardcore $25.49. This blend of Mourvedre, Grenache, and Cab Sauv has a rich gutsy mouthfeel, with pletny of chewy fruit and long finish. 135 cases produced. Overall score: A-

2002 Elevation Sensation $31.49. This juicy blend of Mourvedre and Grenache wants to be a Chateauneuf du Pape, with its slightly bright raspberry and black cherry. It's tasty, exceptionally balanced, with a long smooth fiish. 96 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: owner/winemaker David Corey has again produced two Rhone-style blends. This time out I preferred the Hardcore. In fact, I'm thinking he ought to re-name the Sensation to....Softcore!

2003 Grenache/Syrah "The Crossroad" - SYV $14.95. With 80% Grenache, this is a big wine with plenty of balanced fruit and acids, and fruit-filled core. 450 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: the Curtis wines can be hit or miss for me. This one's a hit, and at a crazy affordable price too.

2004 Viognier "Sanford & Benedict" $14.95. Lovely dried floral quality to the nose, with peach and nectarine scents and flavors, and long sweet finish. Bigger and probably a little sweeter than most Calif Viogniers, but the balance and beautiful fruit win out here. 175 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: this wine is the result from an interesting collaboration between Yves Cuilleron and Morgan Clendenen. The result was a "wow" for me.

2002 Sauvignon Blanc "L'Orvert" $25.95.
Lots of goodeberry, citrus and mineral notes. Both smooth and crisp through its long finish. 200 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2002 Pinot Noir "Lollapalooza" $39.95.
This seemed a bit shut down from the last time I tasted it. But, the unmistakable nose of black cherry, cake spice and a touch of earth still came through. The nicely ripened fruit continues through the long finish. 500 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: who doesn't know the story here? Long-time winemaker Kathy Joseph got ahold of some land in the Santa Rita Hills and planted Pinot Noir -- heavily sought-after Pinot Noir. The Sauv Blanc is from teh happy Cyn portion of Santa Ynez Valley, and is released after a few years of bottle age.

2003 Pinot Noir "Pommard Clone" $35.95. Subtle aromas of strawberry and cherry punctuate this elegantly styled wine. 250 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: apparently, the winery ran out of the "Clone 2A" wine that was also at the table. Was it the better wine? we'll never know.

2003 Pinot Noir "Sea Smoke" $47.95. Nose of dark fruit with light herb and earth aromas. Thick and rich mouthfeel, yet still amazingly balanced. 240 cases produced. Overall score: A-

2003 Syrah "Tinaquaic - Dry Farmed" $23.95. Plenty of blackberry, licorice and herb aromas in the nose. Quite chewy on the palate, with lots of black fruit, excellent balance, and long smooth finish. Beautiful! 225 cases produced. Overall score: A-

2003 Cabernet Franc "Tinaquaic - Dry Farmed" $27.95. Nice sweet cassis fruit in the nose, with additional notes of bittersweet chocolate and a touch of vanilla. Rich and full on the palate, with long fruit-filled finish. 175 cases produced. Overall score: A-

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon "Vogelzang" $31.95. Nose of cassis, black cherry and herbs. Smooth and chewy mouthfeel, with very nice balance, and long smooth finish. 250 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: Bill Wathen and Dick Dore have been making 'in your face' wines since 1987. And, the wines have only gotten better.

2004 Syrah "Central Coast" $23.95. This wine was still going through ML, but the sweet red and black fruit was still evident. A barrel fermented blend of fruit sources from various county vineyards. 275 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: Sashi Moorman, Peter Hunken, Jim Knight and Chad Melville combined their talents and their separate wines for this 'supergroup' label.

2004 Petite Sirah "Thompson Vineyard" $23.95. Huge nose of smooth, chalky black fruit. Smooth mouthfeel, very lip-clinging and tannic, with a staggeringly long finish. 100 cases produced. Overall score: A-

2004 Syrah "Ampelos Vineyard" $29.95. First crop from this vineyard. Plenty of peppery black fruit, with light spices and full, rich and moderately tannic mouthfeel. 100 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: if this first crop is any evidence, the Ampelos Vineyard is going to be an ideal location for Syrah in the Santa Rita Hills.

2004 Syrah "Larner and Stolpman" $24.95
This 55/45 blend of vineyards is always a winner. The Larner Vnyd brings more of the leather and herb to the table, and the Stolpman Vnyd always adds the light chocolate and smooth fine grained tannins to fill in. Delicious! 150 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: Jim Knight is on a ...Roll! Thick, smooth and rich, this may be the best blend of vineyards in the county.

2004 Grenache "Camp 4" $19.95. Plenty of raspberry with just a hint of pipe tobacco and herbs in the nose. Very tasty fruit-driven mouthfeel, and nice long finish. 100 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: assistant winemaker at Beckmen, Mikael Sigouin, is now making wines under his own label as well. Focusing on Grenache and Syrah, this single release is a winner. But, just wait - Mikael has even better things coming out soon. The name's Hawaiian - so's Mikael.

Kenneth Gummere

2004 Pinot Noir "Babcock" $35.95. Beautiful black cherry and vanilla in the nose. Fully 'new world' in mouthfeel, but amazingly balanced and just loaded with gorgeous fruit. 180 cases produced. Overall score: A-

2004 Grenache "Larner" $19.49. Lots of raspberry with a touch of herb and blueberry in the nose. Rich and meaty mouthfeel, beautifully balanced, and long smooth finish. 180 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2004 Syrah "Lafond" $22.49. Smooth and rich, this is the more 'drink me now' of the two Syrahs. Nice fine-grained tannins and light mocha overtones compliment the black fruit throughout. 150 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2004 Syrah "Evans Ranch" $22.49.
More complex, with additional notes of sweet loam and pipe tobacco to compliment the blackberry pie fruit. From an area further west of the Lafond Vnyd in the Santa Rita Hills - this one has more Garrigue. 180 cases produced. Overall score: A

Comments: this joint venture from Kenneth Gummere, and Mark and Wendy Horvath have produced their best wines to date with these four offerings. The Pinot is excellent, the Grenache a big beautiful surprise, the Lafond Syrah is lovely, but the Evans Ranch is absolutely gorgeous!

2004 Pinot Noir "Gold Coast" $31.95.
Very appealing now, this wine is jam-packed with cherry and black cherry fruit, a beautifully seamless mouthfeel, and very long finish. 70 cases produced. Overall score: A

2003 Syrah "Bien Nacido" $31.95.
Just drop-dead gorgeous! Smooth and rich, amazingly balanced, smooth and absolutely delicious. Loaded with black fruit, touches of mocha and licorice, cake spice, leather and tobacco. 70 cases produced. Overall score: A+

Comments: these are arguably the two best wines in the entire tasting! The Gold Coast Pinot was excellent, but this Bien Nacido Syrah was somewhere between extraordinary and stupendous. Two must haves!

2004 Grenache "Vogelzang" $19.95. Big juicy raspberry in both nose and mouth, excellent balance,and delicious long finish. 200 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2003 Syrah "Purisima Vnyd" $23.95
Wow! Here is yet another beautiful Syrah from Purisima Mtn Vnyd. Lots of blackberry and cassis, with touches of licorice and tar in the nose. Huge chewy textures, the fruit just keeps pumping through the long finish. 100 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: another pair of winners from Ethan Lindquist. Amazing bargains, as well.

2003 Pinot Noir "Fe Ciega" $33.95. Lovely cherry cola, with a light herb and floral quality. Extremely well-balanced in mouthfeel, delicious and smooth through the long finish. 340 cases produced. Overall score: A-

2003 Syrah "Alisos Vnyd" $25.95
Beautiful floral quality to the dark berry nose. Beautifully balanced blackberry, with light touches of meat, anise and lavender. 100 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: the Pinot Noir is a no-brainer. But, do NOT miss this Syrah - plus, it's an incredible steal.

2004 Pinot Noir "Clos Pepe" $39.95.
Light earthy background to the ripe cherry fruit. Full and rich on the palate, with long lingering finish. 800 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2004 Pinot Noir "Rancho Ontiveros" $39.95. Nose of wild strawberry with a light herb quality. Fleshy mouthfeel of red and black fruit, with cery nice balance and long finish. 800 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: my first look at the '04 Lorings, and these seem to follow the balanced profile of the '03s, with just a bit more ripeness.

2004 Sauvignon Blanc "Volgelzang" Nose of gooseberry, light citrus and a touch of alfalfa. Excellent balance, very nice flavors and aftertaste. $19.95. 115 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2004 M5 $19.95. Nose of black and red fruit, with lot of spice, herbs and pipe tobacco. Nice and chewy on the palate, with very good balance and long finish. Blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Counoise, and Cinsault. 1200 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2003 Syrah "Black Oak Vineyard" $31.95. Marvelous nose of blackberry and sage. This was also a huge mouthfull of wine, inky and dark, with fabulous black fruit, herbs and a touch of leather. 50 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: the Sauvignon Blanc should not be missed, and the M5 is a close second. But, the Syrah is excellent!

2002 Pinot Noir "Clos Pepe" $44.95.
Nose of black cherry, wild strawberry, and a bit of earth and herb. Concentrated, yet surprisingly lively on the palate, with excellent balance, and seamless finish. Nearly perfect! 220 cases produced. Overall score: A

Comments: the Ojai table was crowded most of the day, so this was the only wine I was able to try, but it was a beauty. As most people know, the Clos Pepe yields from '02 were less than 1 ton/acre. This wine has lots of concentration, yet remains surprisingly well-balanced and classic in style. IN-credible!

2003 Syrah "Stolpman Vineyard" $27.95. Plenty of smooth black fruit throughout, with hints of coffee and chocolate permeating both nose and taste. 100 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2003 Syrah "Alisos Vineyard" $31.95. Intense blackberry and tar, with a blueberry scent in the background. Dark and tannic, this was a major palate-clinger from mid to latter palate. 150 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2003 Syrah "Bien Nacido Hillside Estate" $31.95. Gorgeous light mocha accent to the blackberry compote fruit. Full, rich, smooth, with a beautiful core of sweet fruit, and long seamless finish. 950 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: the Stolpman and Alisos Syrahs are both very nice, but the Bien Nacido is a step up over the both of them.

2003 Syrah "Defilade" $27.95. With it's smoky "roasted" background notes, the nose seemed much more "French" in style. Excellent balance, nice off-sweet fruit and flavors, it also seemed slightly more rustic is style than most Central Coast Syrahs, and somewhat more tannic on the back end.
100 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: this wine got special attention by Chuck Carlson (Curtis) using Firestone fruit (well, Adam Firestone fruit). The result is a wine quite different from most CC Syrahs. If you're a Francophile, this just might be your wine.

2003 Pinot Noir Reserve "Santa Rita Hills" $28.95. 60% Fiddlestix; 20% Foley, and 20% Huber. Always a solid offering, the Pinot is pure Santa Rita Hills. Plenty of black cherry, touch of cola and cake spice, nice earthy backbone, and long smooth finish. 250 cases produced. Overall score: A-

2003"Anacapa" $28.95. 78% Cab Franc, 17% Merlot and 5% Cab Sauv. Beautiful nose of cassis and herb, with a nice sweet core of fruit. Perfect ripeness, excellent balance, and absolutely delicious! 300 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: in my opinion, one of the most overlooked wineries in the county. Consistently producing top notch Pinot Noir, as well Bordeaux varietals - including this beautiful Cab Franc-based Anacapa.

2004 Viognier "Estate" $21.95. Lovely pear, white peach,and a touch of citrus in the nose. Excellent balance, lively mouthfeel, crisp finish. A natural with food. Overall score: A-

Comments: "go taste the Van Enoo Viognier," I kept hearing from friends. So I did. They were right!

2004 Albarino "Ibarra Young Vnyd" $14.95. Nice and crisp in the nose , with stone fruit, light citrusy quality, and very crisp finiah.330 cases produced. Overall score: A-

2002 Tempranillo/Syrah/Grenache $15.95. Mostly Tempranillo, with Syrah (17%), Grenache (16%). Nose of dried cherries, cassis, and smoky aromas. Full and chewy on the palate, the Tempranillo really came through. I'm sure the Syrah and Grenache brought something to the table, but the Tempranilla was entrancing. 450 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: once again, Louisa and Bob Lindquist have a pair of winners in these Spanish varities.

Unable to taste and review:

BABCOCK: pouring 2 wines
BRANDER: pouring 2 wines
CARINA: pouring 2 wines
COSTA DE ORO: pouring 1 wine
CURRAN: pouring 2wines
CURTIS: pouring 2 wines
DI BRUNO: pouring 1 wine
DREW FAMILY: pouring 3 wines
DUO: pouring 2 wines
FLYING GOAT: pouring 2 wines
GREAT OAKS RANCH: pouring 2 wines
HITCHING POST: pouring 5 wines
KUNIN: pouring 3 wines
ROZAK: pouring 2 wines
SAMSARA: not pouring 2 wines
SEA SMOKE: pouring 3 wines
STOLPMAN: pouring 2 wines
TENSLEY: pouring 3 wines
WESTERLY: pouring 2 wines