"Le Souvenir", Sierra Madre Chardonnay, 2008

This might be even better than the highly-acclaimed first vintage.

Fresh scents of acacia blossoms with notes of lemon zest and spring mountain flowers on the nose. A touch of vanilla and wet stone. This wine is dry, zesty and vibrant with plenty of refreshing acidity and a long pleasant finish.

“Il Padrino”, Bien Nacido Syrah, 2008

Four years into a revolutionary viticulture under the brilliant care of Chris Hammell, vineyard manager, and his dedicated crew, my small hillside parcel produced outstanding grapes. This wine was vinified in 100% new French oak of the highest quality. This syrah was co-fermented with 5% viognier.

This is a classic wine. It possesses violet flowers, black olive tapenade and church incense on the nose, with an intricate tone of blackberries. It is mid- to full-bodied with good structure and refreshing acidity that counterbalances the ripeness. It possesses a long finish and silky texture within a firm, youthful frame.

It is a very expressive wine, reaching for profoundness, and will drink well soon but also improve in the cellar for 10 years plus. Enjoy.

Two barrels made. 100% new French oak.

“Cinematique”, Larner Syrah, 2008

Riper notes on the nose: Black cherry, anise, with some black pepper and tulip flowers. This wine is full-bodied and luscious, but velvety, with good acidity and fine balance. It is bigger and riper than Bien Nacido, but it also beautifully expresses Larner Vineyard. It is an exciting wine that will age and provide pleasure for eight plus years.

Three barrels made. 33% new French oak.

"Matinee", Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir, 2008

Three barrel lot 10 % New French oak unfiltered.

This new blend is made of a few vineyards and is meant to become a super-fine "wine by the glass" for the high end restaurants. Limited amount of cases are available to the mailing list.

Fine nose of red fruits-bing cherries, strawberries and fresh red beets.This wine is fresh, nicely balanced with good intensity of flavor and length.

"Duende", Gold Coast Pinot Noir, 2008

Four barrel lot 50 % New French oak, unfiltered Martini Clone, old vines.

This wine established a strong following since my first 2002 vintage.

With its exuberant aromatics and gentle silky texture, it is a classic Pinot Noir lover's wine. This year's version is my best wine yet from this vineyard. Fragrant, silky yet intense and long on the palate. Very fine.

"Suerte", Solomon Hills Pinot Noir, 2008

Six barrel lot 50 % New French oak unfiltered Dijon Clones 115, 667, 777.

This vineyard is going from strength to strength. As the vines mature, I was also able to obtain the lease of the best parcels. It is a new expression of Santa Maria Pinot. Elegant and fine with velvety texture, full body and a long finish with assertive tannins.

"Sine Cera", Fiddlestix Pinot Noir, 2008

Five barrel lot 60 % New French oak unfiltered Dijon Clones 113, 667,777.

This could be one of the best wines ever made from this site. It has all the classic elements of a fine Pinot. Exuberant nose, full body with velvety texture and long spicy finish. The tannins are fully ripe and the wine has a harmony and grace of a great burgundy.

"Lancelot", Pisoni Pinot Noir, 2008

Three barrel lot 66 % New French oak unfiltered Pisoni clone, old vines.

This is a very different expression of California Pinot Noir. It combines the French "je ne sais quoi" with California juicy ripe fruit and depth of flavor. I made an effort to make this wine elegant and balanced rather than just big.