This herb and sweet cherry-scented and flavored, boldly-oaked Pinot Noir reveals a medium plum color, plenty of new oak (almost excessive amounts) in the nose, sweet, ripe fruit on the entry, good purity, and that unmistakable tomato-like herbaceousness that Santa Barbara Pinot Noirs tend to possess. Drink it over the next 2-3 years.Tel. (805) 937-7288

The Byron winery, which was acquired by Robert Mondavi in 1990, continues to turn out attractive Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Improvements are warranted with respect to the Pinot Noir program. Byron's Pinot Noirs lack aromatic and flavor dimension. The 1992 Pinot Noir-Reserve, which has not yet been released, displays some elegance and a spicy, red fruit character, but comes across on the palate as simple, light, short, and compact. Tel. (805) 937-7288