We continue Elaine's detailed reports on the wines of Santa Barbara County. See yesterday's look at Chardonnay.
Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County has one of the most recognisable regional characters of Pinot Noir in California. In the cool wind and fog exposure of Santa Maria Valley, Pinots tend to include a distinctive hint of Chinese five spices – a mix of powdered ginger, star anise, a hint of orange, a kiss of clove and savoury red fruit. Sta Rita Hills instead leans towards black-tea notes, sometimes including a light orange-zest note in a range of black- to red-fruit flavours...