The winery produces four pinot noirs and two chardonnays; all bear the term “California Grand Cru” for the 2009 vintage. New for the 2009 vintage: Sea Smoke of Santa Barbara is putting “California Grand Cru” on the label. The term is pure marketing. The labels previously read “Santa Barbara County California.” MORE >>

The article noted the alcohol levels from the label of each wine alongside the newspaper’s ratings, comments and prices. The basic is that you cant put it almost anywhere like a sauvignon or even a chardonnay ; a chenin will not forgive any mistake from your side. Would you like to see more reviewers noting alcohol levels? MORE >>

The producer has decided to open the naming of their new, unoaked Chardonnay up to readers. The contest may have risks as this article points out, the crowd sourcing initiative for naming the new blend of Vegemite and cream cheese (really, why ruin good cream cheese?) SIPPED: user feedback. SIPPED: place names. SF Chronicle ]. MORE >>

Maybe even getting a few articles ahead to post on the blog. Chardonnay was disappointing, but a review on the Sauvignon Blanc is coming up next post. Tomorrow I must return to work after a pleasant but hard two week vacation. really don't know where to rank this time off or how to compare it to others. This one was a bit different. MORE >>

tasted a few of them recently at a trade tasting and was impressed with the lean, taut wines from a land known all too often for buxom chardonnay and pinot noir. Check out this SF Chron article on some recent goings on in Sta. (!) Rita Hills.) I’ll be keeping an eye out for Justin Tyler Willett’s wines. Tyler winery. MORE >>