A good value in Pinot Noir, Alma Rosa's 2013 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills is juicy and jammy, with straightforward notes of black raspberries, cherry, dried earth and spice. This medium-bodied, fruit-filled Pinot lacks complexity, but it's a balanced, rich and thoroughly enjoyable 2013 to drink over the coming 3-4 years.

The 2012 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills is a rocking effort that represents a superb value. Offering up notions of rose petal, ripe cherries, raspberries, spice and even some forest floor, it’s seamless, elegant and layered on the palate, with plenty of class. Aged 16 months in 20% new French oak and a blend of 5 different clones, it’s an outstanding wine to drink over the coming 4-5 years. This was a solid lineup from Alma Rosa, and the wines are made by Richard Sanford. They’re well-worth checking out. Tel. (805) 688-9090; www.almarosawinery.com

Starting the reds and classic Pinot Noir, with plenty of black cherry, underbrush and earthy, loamy nuances, the 2011 Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills has a pure, supple texture, solid overall balance and plenty of length on the finish. It’s a delicious effort that should drink nicely for 3-5 years. Drink now-2018. Tel. (805) 688-9090; www.almarosawinery.com

The other four wines are showing better, including the generic 2008 Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills. Strawberries, pomegranates, and tart cherries, along with some damp earth and spice box, make an appearance in this medium-bodied, fully mature Pinot, which is best drunk over the next 2-3 years. Alma Rosa is the brainchild of Richard Sanford, an early visionary and viticultural pioneer from the Santa Rita Hills. Richard Sanford’s five Pinot Noirs are evidence of some of the challenges this varietal confronted in 2008. These wines are not as rich and concentrated as several previous vintages, but they are well-made and far more evolved and ready to drink, which is certainly an advantage. Tel. (805) 688-9090; Fax (805) 688-9001