“I think chardonnay is the greatest grape we produce in the Sta. Steinwachs said that each one had “verve,” explaining, “It’s really got that fun yin-yang thing going on that you don’t find from other regions.” Among other flavors noted: crème brulee, apple, pear, melon. But in all of the samples, Nelson noted, “You can taste and smell salinity.” Tasted: 2010 Liquid Farm White Hill 2010 Seagrape Cellars Zotovich Vineyard 2010 Sanford Winery Rinconada Vineyard Estate 2010 Clos Pepe “Homage to Chablis” 2010 Kessler-Haak Vineyard Estateįlavors: Ranged from the ultra-austere, steel-fermented Clos Pepe to the more buttery, oak-enhanced version from Seagrape. Panelists: Nikki Nelson of Liquid Farm Dan Kessler of Kessler-Haak Karen Steinwachs of Seagrape Cellars Wes Hagen of Clos Pepe Estate Steve Fennell of Sanford Winery

Chardonnays to taste at Fire & Wine 2012. Here’s a rundown, paired with some photographs from the event. The panels were moderated by critic Josh Raynolds, assistant editor of Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, and the five wines tasted during each session were sampled blindly, leading to some interesting guesswork by the winemakers as to which was theirs and prompting insightful discussion all around. Wine & Fire 2012 pinot panel featured, from left, Ken Brown, Frank Ostini, Deborah Hall, Peter Cargasacchi, and Adam Lee. In addition to a dinner at Avant on Friday, a grand tasting on Saturday at Mission La Purisima, and open houses throughout the region on Sunday, about 100 people gathered on Saturday morning for the weekend’s most educational offering: two seminars on chardonnay and pinot noir, followed by a grilled lunch from the Hitching Post crew, all served up on the bucolic grounds of Fiddlestix Vineyard, right in the heart of the hills.

Rita Hills between Lompoc and Buellton to celebrate and reflect on the renowned winegrowing appellation during the annual “Wine & Fire” event. This past weekend, hundreds of people converged on the Sta.

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2010 clone 5 santa barbara pinot noir