Is intensely dark and meaty, ripe with blueberries, cherries, cedar, cinnamon and a wafting smokiness. Aged 11 months in 100% new Vosges French oak.

Cambria 2007 Barbara's Pinot Noir is a limited-production inaugural release. Long and lengthy, it is produced from four clones planted in decomposed granite soils. Here, earth meets blackberry; a big mouthfeel and chalky tannins are serious components added to the creamy vanilla and spiced core.

Displays weight and density; in fact, Shurtleff calls it the densest yet from this vineyard, the highest point of the estate, formed from ancient decomposed granite. Youthful yet round; notes of sandalwood and cola mesh with an underlying earthiness.

The good extracted color of this pinot suggests aroma and flavor intensity will follow. On the nose, red fruit, beet root, cherry cola and tree bark are apparent; it just smells juicy. Red cherry, strawberry, rhubarb, red raspberry, vanilla, sandalwood and brown baking spices are full blown on the palate. Deeper fruit flavors, like myrtle berry, also show their face in the mix. This pinot has a rich tapestry of aromas and flavors that are unique to Santa Maria Valley. It's very satisfying to all the senses and ready to drink now, though it could easily age a few more years.

The winery calls the Bench Break Pinot on the estate its most austere so the wine offers some of the elegance and minerality of classic Burgundy in addition to the ubiquitous California fruitiness.

While ripe and earthy, also shows its delicate side: pretty and ethereal. The vineyard - named for Barbara Banke's youngest daughter, now 21 and a college senior - lies on the cooler western edge of the Cambria Estate.

Experience shows in California pinot noirs - After more that 20 years of research, experimentation and hard work, California pinot noir producers are hitting their stride.

Cambria winemaker, Denise Shurtleff has certainly done an admirable job with her wine. It's bright and spicy, with cherry and rhubarb, firm structure, a subtle herbal note and good concentration.

The 2007 Cambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir is an excellent wine for the price with its bright cherry and raspberry flavors, firm structure and smooth finish.

Lean and mildly smoky, this wine's light red hue belies some modest intensity, with a bright berry scent and clean, strawberry flavors. The finish hints at green herbs and a taste of the sea.

8 Terrific Sommelier Pairings - Grilled Halibut with Tomato Butter. Try the cherry infected 2006 Cambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir.

This fleshy pinot noir is delicious - one of our favorites. With grapes grown in the fertile Santa Maria region, it sports ripe cherry fruit, spice and a touch of oak. Good mouthfeel. Great value.

Three stars: A stew of red fruits, a touch of oak and hint of cola. Gentle and round with a taste of wood and youthful astringency. Until 2011

...the 2005 really shines with it's spicy cherry and strawberry flavors and firm structure. At that price, it's also a tremendous value.

This vast estate- 1,405 acres located in California's Santa Maria Valley- is a reliable source for Pinot that tastes expensive but isn't. This medium-bodied wine offers strawberry fruit, zippy acidity and a hint of sassafras.

Three Stars: Pure and clear red fruit aromas lead to soft, lush mid-palate with earthy flavors and a smattering of peppery tannins. Until 2010.

2004 CAMBRIA PINOT NOIR, SANTA MARIA VALLEY, JULIA'S VINEYARD -- Black cherry, tea leaves, clove and a trace of dried thyme - and a succulence that makes the wine superb with grilled salmon. Yet another example of a Jess Jackson winner, from another of his estates.

Nice balance of earth, fruit and oak, with some interesting roasted flavors and a hint of chocolate. Perennial favorite.

Delicate, soft cherry flavors. Prominent, good quality oak. Note of cocoa and maple sugar. Integrated tannins.

Nice balance of earth, fruit and oak, with some interesting roasted flavors and a hint of chocolate. Perennial favorite.

concentrated, spicy

This clean, balanced, moderately extracted offering comes through in the mouth with plenty of ripe red-cherry flavors laced with a good dose of vanillin oak. It has a fine sense of substance and has enough spine to stand up to the rich sauces and savory flavors we enjoy so much.

Pure, liqueur-like, tart cherry flavors; hint of nutmeg as the wine warms; dry, velvety; lightly tart finish.