A smoking value in Pinot Noir is the 2013 Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County from Byron. Aged eight months in neutral French oak, it has a pretty, fruit-forward bouquet of sweet strawberries, underbrush and rose petal. This is followed by a medium-bodied, beautifully pure, balanced and delicious 2013 that has real Pinot flair and character. Buy it by the case and drink it over the coming 2-3 years.

Medium ruby/purple, the 2013 Small Pot ‘Ceramic Egg’ Grenache has a funky nose replete with meaty and earthy aromas of yeast extract, kirsch and warm red berries. Rich and full-bodied, it has a solid frame with fine, grainy tannins, crisp acid and a very long, earthy and meaty finish. It should age well.

Medium garnet/purple, the 2012 Grenache High Sands is a bit closed, showing red and black cherries, currants and spice box plus exotic scents of potpourri and dusty earth. It has a really solid frame with concentration in the mouth, a touch of volatile acidity that is not bad, and is structured with firm, chunky tannins. It finishes long with meaty and earthy notes.

Deep garnet/purple, the 2012 Ironheart Shiraz has quite a funky, yeasty and meaty nose with black and red fruits, pepper notes with an undercurrent of loam and underbrush. Restrained on the palate, the oak tannins are a bit hard and the palate is chewy muscular with cedar notes and a long, savory finish. It needs time.

The 2013 Roux Beaute Roussanne is scented of peaches, allspice, Golden Delicious apples and quince paste with a touch of honeysuckle. The medium-bodied palate has a lovely texture with yeast, savory notes plus fennel seed. It finishes very fresh and long.

Deep garnet/purple, the 2013 Small Pot Whole Bunch Shiraz has aromas of cassis, warm blueberries and blackberries with licorice, dark chocolate, cloves and dried herbs. Full-bodied, structured with chewy tannins, the savory and earthy palate has a long finish.

Medium ruby/purple, the 2013 Grenache Old Vine has intense aromas of red and black cherries, black raspberries and anise with pepper, violets and meaty accents. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, the palate has chewy tannins with plenty of backbone, racy acid and a very long finish.

The 2014 Roussanne has spiced apples and poached pears on the nose with wafts of honeyed apricot. Medium to full-bodied with satiny texture and plenty of freshness, the palate has nice balance and a long, yeasty finish.

Medium garnet/purple, the 2013 Grenache / Shiraz / Mourvedre opens to warm blackberries, black cherries and mulberries with hints of pepper, earth and meat plus a touch of tar. The earthy and chewy palate is full-bodied, expressive and finishes long.

Deep garnet/purple, the 2013 Shiraz has aromas of blackberries, black plums and pepper with loam and smoked bacon notes. The medium to full-bodied palate is a bit hard, muscular and angular on the finish.

Stunning Californian Pinot with the richness and depth that's rarely paralleled in this state. The cool-climate of Monterey is definitely an influence here. Fleshy wild berry notes, some spice. Pair with many chicken and seafood dishes.

A bright and pretty red with dried berry, cherry and hits of hazelnut on the nose and palate. Full body, silky tannins and a fresh finish. Clean and balanced. American owned. Drink now.

The 2013 Pinot Noir Clone 23 is a dark, mysterious beauty. Graphite, smoke, lavender and spices are some of the notes that gradually open up. Virile and imposing, the 2013 finishes with explosive energy and tons of nuance. Drink this superb, distinctive Pinot Noir over the next 5-7 years.

The 2012 Syrah Tepusquet Vineyard is voluptuous and racy from start to finish. Plum, dark cherry, cloves, smoke and lavender are all super-expressive in a powerful, intense Syrah full of near and medium term appeal. The style is distinctly fruit-driven, with all the elements in the right place.

A pretty, open-knit Pinot, the 2013 Clone 115 offers lovely mid-palate pliancy and depth. Sweet red cherry, plum, spice and French oak are all super-expressive in the glass, while pretty floral and savory notes add lift on the finish.

Rich and supple with black cherry, black raspberry and spice; notes of toasty oak and vanilla; tannic, dense and balanced with a long, lush finish.

Smooth, lush and ripe with intense alcohol and rich berry fruit; spicy, long and balanced with rich, powerful flavors; deep and stylish.

The 2013 Pinot Noir Nielson Vineyard is plump, juicy and expressive, but also has an attractive, savory side to its personality. Sweet red cherry, herbs, rose petal and mint are woven together. There is a slight element of reduction that currently masks some of the fruit. If that reduction disappears in bottle, the 2013 could merit a higher rating.

The 2013 Chardonnay Nielson Vineyard is laced with pear, smoke, slate and a host of aromas from fermentation in barrel. Rich and nicely textured on the palate, but with good overall definition, the 2013 is an excellence choice for drinking over the next few years. The Nielson saw 30% new French oak.

The 2013 Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County is a tasty entry-level offering. Sweet red berries, cola, hard candy and flowers meld together in a racy, pliant Pinot that will drink well for the next few years. Best of all the 2013 is a terrific value in California Pinot Noir.

This is a good blend that offers some great fruit--both black and red--and has crisp acidity. It's full-bodied with a kick of spice on the finish. Tasty.

The 2013 Pinot Noir Clone 2A is one of the best wines in the Cambria lineup. Rich and explosive from the outset, the 2013 possesses striking mid-palate richness, voluptuous texture and tons of up-front fruit. All the elements meld into place in an effortless, gracious Pinot that is firing on all cylinders today. The 2A is a great example of the Cambria house style.

A big-boy zin with black fruit and zesty spice. This dense zin has aromas and flavors of blackberry, boysenberry and cracked black pepper. Finishes with a tasty kick of spice. Impressive.

Full ruby-red. Fresh red berries, candied flowers and Asian spices on the highly perfumed nose and palate. Shows impressive energy and focus but doesn't lack for depth of flavor. I like the blend of power and vivacity here. Racy, appealingly pure Pinot with excellent finishing clarity and smooth tannins that emerge slowly.

Brilliant ruby-red. Smoke- and mineral-accented aromas of black raspberry, cherry-cola and mocha, with a floral quality building with air. Dense and velvety in texture, offering sappy red and dark berry flavors and complicating notes of star anise and candied rose. Silky tannins give grip to the long, sweet, expansive finish, with the floral and cola notes echoing strongly. This sexy wine is dangerously drinkable right now.