Deeply colored. Nicely scented with aromas of black raspberry tart, black cherries, smoky oak and rose petals. Sweet and rich with a powerful core of dark red stone fruits and berries and underpinnings of earth, anise and grilled meat. The tannins are supple and the wine’s richness and velvety mouthfeel courtesy of the alcohol will find fans.

The Santa Maria Valley produces some of the best pinot noirs in California. This is a good representative of the terroir. The grapes (are) from the region's oldest commercial vineyard. The profile is dark cherry and plum flavors with doses of spice and dried herbs.

Santa Barbara County, where long east-west valleys funnel cooling Pacific influences, is home to two great pinot noir regions. The 2009 Byron offers a good preview of the structure, concentration, and ripe flavors typical of the area.

A brand-new wine from Byron, this black cherry, smoke and spice. Forward, fruit-direct and approachable, it hits with true pinot flavors and then flames out, like a shooting star, at the end.

Byron Santa Barbara County 2009 Pinot Noir is a deeply fruited, well-crafted wine that shows real complexity.

A good buy in a forward, buoyant pinot; bright red fruit flavor and aroma; zippy finish.

Santa Barbara County, where long east-west valleys funnel cooling Pacific influences, is home to two great pinot noir regions. At the northern end of the county, the Santa Maria Valley sources a growing number of wineries. My tastings revealed an impressive portfolio from one of the pioneers of the area.

A pinot with intensity. Earthy, with notes of cherry, strawberry and smoke. Balanced.

Byron is known for its pinot noir, and honestly we haven't found one we disliked. We enjoyed the complexity and finesse of the Monument and the unique, sweet fruit flavors of the Nielson Vineyard. But we loved the grace of the Julia's Vineyard pinot. Bright fruit flavors and long finish.

Santa Barbara County, where long east-west valleys funnel cooling Pacific influences, is home to two great pinot noir regions. At the northern end of the county, the Santa Maria Valley sources a growing number of wineries. My tastings revealed an impressive portfolio from one of the pioneers of the area.

All of Byron's pinot noirs are outstanding, but we just enjoyed this version for its complexity and finesse. Exquisite cherry and perfumy aromas with cherry and plum flavors. Very nice.

Santa Barbara County, where long east-west valleys funnel cooling Pacific influences, is home to two great pinot noir regions. At the northern end of the county, the Santa Maria Valley sources a growing number of wineries. My tastings revealed an impressive portfolio from one of the pioneers of the area.

Byron turned out a solid lineup for 2008, but Bien Nacido particularly left an impression. A darker, loamier profile, with a subtle musk amid generous, rich plum and blackberry fruit. That deeper, earth-driven style could use some time to reach its full potential, but it's a compelling expression.

An earthy pinot with notes of mushroom, herb, cherry and spice. Layered flavors. Nice acid.

Santa Barbara County, where long east-west valleys funnel cooling Pacific influences, is home to two great pinot noir regions. At the northern end of the county, the Santa Maria Valley sources a growing number of wineries. My tastings revealed an impressive portfolio from one of the pioneers of the area.

Good fruity nose with a hint of earth that adds a bit of complexity and interest. The flavor profile is ripe strawberry and cherries with a hint of lead pencil. Very well balanced and pleasing.

Santa Barbara County, where long east-west valleys funnel cooling Pacific influences, is home to two great pinot noir regions. At the northern end of the county, the Santa Maria Valley sources a growing number of wineries. My tastings revealed an impressive portfolio from one of the pioneers of the area.

Lovely. Smoky with notes of blueberry, plum and clove. Tannic edge. Silky texture. Long finish.

9 out of 10 points!

Santa Barbara County, where long east-west valleys funnel cooling Pacific influences, is home to two great pinot noir regions. At the northern end of the county, the Santa Maria Valley sources a growing number of wineries. My tastings revealed an impressive portfolio from one of the pioneers of the area.

Just for fun and comparison's sake, I also popped the cork on an older Byron pinot from my cellar. The nose here is big, rich and luscious with mushroom, forest floor, shoe polish and, of course, black cherry fruit and brown baking spices. Black cherry, raspberry and boysenberry make up the myriad flavors that are succulent and delicious on the palate. From its precocious youth, this pinot has settled into a savory groove with the darker fruits coming on strong and the barrel spices both apparent and abundant. This is exactly why I prefer drinking my pinots with a couple years of age on them.

Deeply colored. Nicely scented with aromas of black raspberry tart, black cherries, smoky oak and rose petals. Sweet and rich with a powerful core of dark red stone fruits and berries and underpinnings of earth,anise and grilled meat. The tannins are supple and the wine's richness and velvety mouthfeel courtesy of the alcohol will find fans.

Look for aromas of cherry and raspberry with notes of vanilla and floral perfume. Frill your Copper River salmon to accompany flavors of black cherry, brown spice, vanilla and smoky, toasty oak. Tannins are soft and yielding making this a great sipping wine as well.

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

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