five wines on our radar this winter

by hana-lee sedgWICk

Produced from fruit grown on the historic own-rooted vines of Bien Nacido Vineyard, planted in 1973, this mineral-driven Santa Maria Valley chardonnay is a stellar cellar selection that will gracefully develop over the next 10 years . Aromas of lemon peel, honeysuckle, and toasted nuts leap from the glass, while the palate showcases notes of citrus, wet rocks, and a bright, yet elegant texture . Drink now through 2030 . ($45)

Savory notes of black olive, peppercorn, and smoke dominate the nose of this cool-climate syrah from the Sta . Rita Hills, which is rounded out by dark blue and black fruits, spice, and herbal characters in the mouth . Complex, earthy, and tense (in a good way), this is a wine you’ll want to cozy up with this winter . Drink now or within the next five years . ($40)

Riverbench is the only Santa Barbara County winery to grow and bottle pinot meunier, one of the three main grapes used in Champagne . This unique bottling, made using the traditional Champagne method, features an alluring bouquet of blackberries and cream right off the bat . On the palate, grapefruit and tangerine flavors are accented by a touch of yeast on the finish . It’s a fine choice for popping this February with your Valentine . ($68)

While sauvignon blanc may be associated with spring, don’t discount the beauty of this wine any time of year, especially when you need a break from winter’s go-to reds . Sourced from the biodynamically farmed Grimm’s Bluff Vineyard in the Happy Canyon AVA, this limited-production bottling stands out for its fresh, character-filled palate and layered texture . Appealing aromas of tropical fruit, citrus, and crushed rocks are followed by a racy palate that delivers minerality and fruit with precision and length . Drink now or within the next 10 to 15 years . ($50)

Hailing from Mt . Carmel Vineyard, located on a steep, south-facing cliff in the Sta . Rita Hills at an elevation of 800 to 1,000 feet, this compelling wine offers notes of dark fruit, earth, and graphite that carry from the nose to the deeply nuanced palate . Elegant and seamless, this is a wine to enjoy for years to come . Drink now or within the next 10-plus years . ($100)

SERVING SANTA BARBARA FOR OVER 60 YEARS