Deep ruby color; deep, plum aromas with spice and pepper notes; deep, dense plum and cherry flavors with earthy, pepper notes; some tannin; good structure and balance; long finish. Deep, dense Pinot with the structure for some age.

Juicy, expressive and layered, the 2011 Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard impresses for its silky fruit, perfumed aromatics and lovely overall balance. Absolutely nothing is out of place in a gracious, mid-weight Pinot with tons of near term appeal. A high-toned, floral-infused finish nicely balances the exuberant fruit. This is another fabulous value from Cambria.

Bright ruby-red.  Intense, spice-accented aromas and flavors of candied red fruits and floral pastilles.  Juicy and penetrating in the mid-palate, then energetic on the back end, showing a lingering floral quality.  Gentle tannins make a late appearance but are already playing nicely with the vibrant fruit.

Bright ruby.  Pungent cherry, blackberry and floral pastille aromas, with complicating notes of spicecake and black tea.  Spice-accented cherry-cola and black raspberry flavors are lifted by tangy minerality, which adds focus and refreshing cut.  This rich, energetic pinot finishes with very good breadth, gentle tannins and lingering spiciness.

This is a big, fleshy wine, with evident tannins and acidity that give it bite and structure. The flavors are ripe and pure, suggesting red and black cherry pie filling, with lots of dusty spice and a hint of sweet oak. It will be very nice now and over the next 4-5 years. And with more than 22,000 cases produced, it should be relatively easy to find.

The 2009 Barbara's Pinot is another of the big, super-ripe wines endowed with considerable fatness in its fruit. Hints of leather and spices wrap around the finish. The Pinot Noir Barbara's was fermented in open-top French oak barrels, and aged for ten months in oak prior to being bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Medium ruby color, deep ripe cherry and earthy aromas; rich, ripe, deep, earthy flavors with spicy stewed cherry notes; good structure and balance; long finish. Ripe and full Pinot with really nice flavors and the structure to carry it for a few years at least.

Deep, bright red. Intense, mineral-dominated aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry and fresh rose, with a suave incense quality gaining power with air. Firm red berry and cherry skin flavors spread across the palate and pick up baking spice and white pepper notes on the back end. Impressively pure and focused pinot, finishing with excellent lift and lingering florality.

Ironically, already out of stock because of the movie Sideways that never made it up to the spectacular Santa Maria Bench. Look for notes of dill and strawberry mixed with black cherry and rhubarb textures preview bits of cinnamon game and black fruit flavours. Stylish, intense pinot.

The only Syrah I was able to taste from this estate was the 2015 Syrah Tepusquet. It's a smoky, meaty, barbecue-scented beauty that has lots of pepper and dark fruits, medium to full body, a ripe, sexy texture, and a great finish. It has ample character and will keep for 5-6 years.

One of the South Coast's finest wineries. Starts with green apple, peach, buttercup and spice aromas. Amazingly laser-like Great acidity. The finish lasts for a full minute.

The 1999 Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard is one of the best they have made. The vintage's good acidity buttresses the copious quantities of honeyed orange/pineapple fruit infused with citrus oils and gentle, toasty oak. It is rich, full bodied, undeniably attractive Chardonnay fruit bomb that should drink well for 2-3 years.

Another blockbuster from this Santa Barbara County winery. Rich, fruity and complex, with all the bells and whistles you could ask for. Shows why Santa Barbara has emerged as perhaps the leading Chardonnay region in California.

Young and tight, with spicy citrus, tangerine, pear and pineapple notes that spread out on the finish, showing elegance and finesse.

Brilliant deep straw. Medium-bodied. High extract, moderate oak. Bananas, melon, vanilla. Very aromatic, with a big, ripe, buttery character on the palate. Has just enough acidity to keep it balanced; right through the finish.

The top Chardonnay in Cambria's portfolio is the Chardonnay Reserve, a blend of the best barrels in the cellar. Lush, ripe tropical fruit aromas and flavors are well-displayed in the 1994, as well as more high quality, toasty new oak, and a deeper, more powerful and concentrated feel on the palate. Moreover, this wine provides a hefty alcoholic kick. This is a big, boldly-styled Chardonnay to drink over the next 1-2 years.

A bold, ripe and harmonious California Chardonnay with rich, spicy pear, honey and butterscotch nuances. Picks up a smoky, somewhat leesy note and leaves a wonderful aftertaste.

Smoky notes of oak are immediately evident here with delicious fruit to balance.

A forward bouquet features a rich buttered popcorn. In the mouth it is full-bodied with moderate acidity in a viscous style. Finishes with a gorgeous cloak of layered brown spices.

Ripe and complex, with pretty fruit flavors that are framed by toasty, buttery oak. Intense and lively, yet elegant and refined. Delicious now through 1997.

Ripe and complex, with pretty fruit flavors that are framed by toasty, buttery oak. Intense and lively, yet elegant and refined.

Ripe, tropical nose--'oozing with fruit.' Displays rich, rounded citrus and tropical flavors plus a touch of creaminess.

Well-structured, with a smoky richness to the mineral-infused apple and pear tart flavors. The fresh, spicy finish lingers with a creamy texture.

Santa Barbara Dreamin'…Part Two Cambria's 2016 Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard is a very pretty Santa Maria Chardonnay. Beautifully perfumed, subtle and nuanced, the 2016 has a lot going on. A touch of new French oak frames the orchard fruit and floral flavors nicely. The 2016 is a bit slender, but very pretty just the same.

Medium straw color; ripe apple, a touch of peach skin. Light citrus, and creaminess in the aroma; medium bodied, nicely layered on the palate; dry, medium acidity, fine balance; ripe fruit flavors, light hit of creaminess; medium finish. This Chardonnay does an excellent job in representing the prime, cooler regions for this grape in the Central Coast.