|
|
Subscribe to
our
FREE food & wine newsletter
|
|
|
|
santa barbara: beyond the
pinot
About this
time last year, the world was introduced to the seductions
of Santa Barbara Pinot Noir thanks to a quirky little
film called Sideways. And although SB is a hotspot
for world-class Pinot Noir, the region is filled with
a multitude of racy whites and sexy reds. This February,
look beyond Sideways boy-bonding Pinot to some of
the region’s other seductive styles.
|
2002
Au Bon Climat Hildegard White Table Wine
An almost confusingly complex wine, this white blend
offers everything from daisies and honey on the nose
to impressions of cut hay, lemongrass and just a hint
of sweetness on the tongue. $$$
2004 Brewer Clifton Mount Caramel Chardonnay
Made in tragically tiny quantities, this delicate
Chard dances across the tongue like hand woven lace.
Both floral and herbal flavors tease the tastebuds
and linger delightfully long on the tongue. $$$
2001 Longoria Blues Cuvee
I could swear this blend of Petit Verdot, Merlot and
Cabernet Franc must come from Bordeaux’s Left
Bank, but Longoria’s winemaker swears it is a
CA original. Bramble and eucalyptus aromas, great
acidity and underlying earthy flavors, this is what
a $25 Bordeaux should be. $$
2005 Palmina Pinot Grigio
Although its melon and tropical aromas and flavors
are an attraction, this wine’s finest quality
is its sensual, almost creamy mouthfeel, (as delicious
as the perfect crème caramel). $$
2004 Palmina Mattia
The James Bond of California bottlings, this is a
wine with both class and staying power. Hold on to
a bottle for a few years to let the gripping tannins
mellow and the caramel and dark fruit characteristics
evolve. $$$
2003 Star Lane Syrah
A wine with a yin and a yang, its starkly contrasting
flavors somehow interweave to create a cohesive whole.
Fresh and acidic yet burly and bold, with black fruit
flavors and a tannic grip, it is a study in contrasts
and a fascinating one at that. $$$
$ under 15USD
$$ 15-25USD
$$$ 25-50USD
$$$$ over 50USD
return
to woman on wine index
|
|
