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Santa Barbara County is one of the most diverse winegrowing regions in California, boasting a variety of microclimates that make the area suitable for a wide range of grapes. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive on the coast, where summer fog pushes inland through the east-west mountain ranges, providing cooler conditions. Rhône and Bordeaux grapes are the stars in warmer sites.
Au Bon Climat made the top wine here, a concentrated Chardonnay with good cut from the windswept and foggy Santa Maria Valley appellation at the northern end of the county. Lucas & Lewellen's supple Pinot Noir comes from the same appellation, from the Los Alamos Valley and Goodchild vineyards, and offers good bang for the buck at just $20.
The warm climate farther inland is ideal for Rhône grapes, led by Syrah. Fess Parker has been a mainstay in the county since the winery started in 1989. Winemaker Blair Fox made one of its highest-scoring Syrahs to date in the 2016 vintage, tapping two vineyards in Santa Ynez Valley.
Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, at the eastern end of Santa Ynez Valley, is emerging as a top appellation in California for Sauvignon Blanc. Happy Canyon Vineyards' version shows the tropical side of the grape from the Barrack family's Piocho Ranch estate.
AU BON CLIMAT Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Barbara Historic Vineyards Collection 2016
Features good cut to the well-framed blend of concentrated white fruit and citrus flavors that turn rich and creamy midpalate. Dried pineapple and spice notes show on the plush finish. Drink now through 2022. 240 cases made.
MARGERUM M5 Santa Barbara County 2017
Lively raspberry and pomegranate aromas open to vibrant cracked pepper and smoky sage flavors that linger toward refined tannins. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise and Cinsault. Drink now through 2024. 2,372 cases made.
FESS PARKER Syrah Santa Barbara County 2016
Plump and zesty, showing layered blackberry, grilled anise and pepper flavors that finish with refined tannins. Drink now through 2024. 1,787 cases made.
HAPPY CANYON VINEYARDS Sauvignon Blanc Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara Piocho 2017
This shows off a tropical side, with pineapple and mango highlights to the core of crisp, juicy citrus flavors. Offers great harmony and persistence on the succulent, juicy finish. Drink now. 375 cases made.
JAFFURS Grenache Blanc Santa Barbara County Thompson Vineyard 2017
A robust, medium-bodied white, with pineapple, pear and melon flavors that have crunchy acidity and a spicy accent. A slightly waxy texture lingers on the finish. Drink now. 400 cases made.
LUCAS & LEWELLEN Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County 2015
Dried cherry and berry flavors dominate this supple style, which also features hot accents. Offers a fresh finish. Drink now. 1,509 cases made.
RANCHO SISQUOC Chardonnay Santa Barbara County Flood Family Vineyards 2016
Very appley, flanked by powerful pastry and spice notes. Espresso cream hints show on the structured finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,000 cases made.
SANTA BARBARA WINERY Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County 2016
Red plum and currant flavors fill this juicy red, and are matched to lively acidity. Features a supple finish. Drink now. 6,000 cases made.