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Woman on Wine

By Amy Reiley

About this time last year, the world was introduced to the seductions of Santa Barbara Pinot Noir thanks to a quirky little film called Sideways. And although SB is a hotspot for world-class Pinot Noir, the region is filled with a multitude of racy whites and sexy reds. This February, look beyond Sideways boy-bonding Pinot to some of the region’s other seductive styles.

2002 Au Bon Climat Hildegard White Table Wine
An almost confusingly complex wine, this white blend offers everything from daisies and honey on the nose to impressions of cut hay, lemongrass and just a hint of sweetness on the tongue.

2004 Brewer Clifton Mount Caramel Chardonnay
Made in tragically tiny quantities, this delicate Chard dances across the tongue like hand woven lace. Both floral and herbal flavors tease the tastebods and linger delightfully long on the tongue. $$$

2001 Longoria Blues Cuvee
I could swear this blend of Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc must come from Bordeaux’s Left Bank, but Longoria’s winemaker swears it is a CA original. Bramble and eucalyptus aromas, great acidity and underlying earthy flavors, this is what a $25 Bordeaux should be. $$

2005 Palmina Pinot Grigio
Although its melon and tropical aromas and flavors are an attraction, this wine’s finest quality is its sensual, almost creamy mouthfeel, (as delicious as the perfect crème caramel). $$

2004 Palmina Mattia
Like the James Bond of California bottlings, this is a wine with both class and staying power. Hold on to a bottle for a few years to let the gripping tannins mellow and the caramel and dark fruit characteristics to evolve. $$$

2003 Star Lane Syrah
A wine with a yin and a yang, its starkly contrasting flavors somehow interweave to create a cohesive whole. Fresh and acidic yet burly and bold with black fruit flavors and a tannic grip it is a study in contrasts and a fascinating one at that. $$$

$ under 15USD
$$ 15-25USD
$$$ 25-50USD
$$$$ over 50USD

Woman on Wine is the syndicated wine column from Master of Gastronomy Amy Reiley’s website, Life of Reiley, www.lifeofreiley.com.

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