More focused and energetic than the straight Santa Maria Valley, the 2012 Pinot Noir Nielson (aged 15 months in 40% new French oak) offers beautiful black cherry, sappy herbs, flower blossom and rose petal-like qualities in its seamless, silky profile.? It’s the tension and energetic feel that sets this apart and it’s a knockout Pinot Noir to drink over the coming 4-5 years. Tel. (805) 938-7365; www.byronwines.com