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Santa Maria Valley

Santa Barbara County is not an AVA, but a region just south of San Luis Obispo that includes the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley appellations. Wine has been produced in the area since the 18th century when Spanish missionaries planted vineyards. It wasn’t until the 1990s, however, that producers focused on growing premier grapes for fine wines. During the 1990s more than 10,000 acres of vineyards were planted, and today there are nearly 20,000 acres of vineyards. The region received a big bump in recognition and prestige when the popular film “Sideways” was shot there in 2004. Because the region is affected by maritime weather, it is relatively cool climate makes it ideal for Chardonnay. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and an increasingly adventuresome number of varietals are also grown successfully in Santa Barbara County.

2021 Fingers Crossed Syrah & Grenache

6-bottle Horizontal, Wood Case

Light case condition issue

2021 Fingers Crossed Syrah & Grenache

6-bottle Horizontal, Wood Case

2021 Fingers Crossed Unanswered Prayers Grenache

Light label condition issue

WA  94-96   
VN  92-94   

2021 Fingers Crossed Unanswered Prayers Grenache

WA  94-96   
VN  92-94   

2021 Fingers Crossed White & Rosé

6-bottle Horizontal, Wood Case

Light case condition issue

2021 Fingers Crossed White & Rosé

6-bottle Horizontal, Wood Case

2008 Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir

WS  91   

2010 Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir

Label condition issue

WS  93   
VN  90   
WS  #77 of 2012   

2014 Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir

WS  90   

2016 Qupé Bien Nacido Hillside Estate Syrah

VN  94   

2020 Kinsman Eades Aberro Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah

2014 Lagom Bien Nacido Pinot Noir

2013 Tyler Winery Dierberg Pinot Noir

Light label condition issue

2005 Foxen Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 Pinot Noir

2015 Foxen Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 Pinot Noir

Light label condition issue

WE  96   
VN  94   
WA  93   
JD  92   

2020 Clos Solène En Coulisse Chardonnay

2021 Clos Solène En Coulisse Chardonnay

JS  94   

1997 Whitcraft Bien Nacido Q Block Pinot Noir

Light capsule condition issue; light label condition issue

1997 Whitcraft Bien Nacido Q Block Pinot Noir

Lightly depressed cork; light label condition issue

2020 Macrostie Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir (Screwcap)

2020 Bien Nacido Estate Chardonnay

Lightly depressed cork

WA  94   
WS  93   
VN  93   
JD  93   

2021 Bien Nacido Estate Chardonnay

VN  94   
WA  91   
JR  17   

2020 Bien Nacido Estate Syrah

WA  95   
WE  95   
JD  93-95   
VN  90   

2014 Bien Nacido Estate X-Block Syrah

VN  96   
WA  94   
JD  94   

2014 Longoria Bien Nacido Vineyard Block N Pinot Noir

Light label condition issue

WE  93