Ah, the Santa Maria Valley AVA, located in the northern part of Santa Barbara County and parts of San Luis Obispo County. For years this AVA has been known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and is home to some of California's best including Au Bon Climat, Foxen, and Byron. Well this lovely wine definitely belongs on the list. Lovely nose of honeysuckle, tropical fruit with hints of lychee and citrus zest. The wine is full bodied with good acid structure, nice fruit (citrus and pear) and just a touch of minerality on the med/(+) length finish. Quite good now, should hold through 2013. Good value at around $20 per bottle.Number of wines reviewed in 2011: 4
