Also a very good bargain, the sexy 2007 Pinot Noir Santa Maria offers sensual, soft, floral, berry, and plum fruit notes intertwined with a subtle notion of smoke. This silky-textured, medium-bodied endearing Pinot smells good, goes down easy, and should have many fans among both neophytes and connoisseurs. Enjoy it over the next several years. Consistent with their Syrah program, Byron’s current releases of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the finest examples I have yet tasted.Tel. (805) 934-4700; Fax (805) 938-1581

Beautiful. With crisp, tart coastal acidity, it offers lush waves of black cherries, anise, Asian spices and smoky vanilla, in a silky, elegant mouthfeel. Great value for the quality. ——S.H.(10/1/2009)—— 92