Matthew Cohen

9.3

N: hint oak
P: intense pineapple and acid. Very well done.

Grapevine 32 3/5 25 btg — a month ago

Richard Siddall-Jones

9.0

Easy drinking. Dark berries, little oak, smooth tannins — 8 months ago

Sharona

9.1

Sept 19, 2025, Palomino Supper Club @ A Different Point of View — 9 months ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.4

One of the best american Rieslings out there. The Riesling was planted in 2007. Kick On Ranch is just a few miles West of Los Alamos (CA) , getting close to the ocean and Vandenberg Air Force Base. 120 cases. 13.5%. Plenty of acidity, 🍯 , botyris? , fresh cut garden hose. Quite herbal. Oregano. Tatomer’s top of the line offer. He learned the trade in Austria 🇦🇹, Wachau region. This 2019 is very very good. Not Mosel just different - and perhaps quintessential Californian. — a year ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.2

Scheurebe Pinot Blanc Blend. Young needs a little bit more age. A great wine to pair with all kinds of food sans steak. Green apple, tart, almond blossoms. Super nice. At Bell‘s in Los Alamos the new and only Michelin ⭐️ place in Santa Barbara County. Very well worth visiting!!! — 4 years ago

Ben Lehman

9.3

What can I say I love anything Angela makes, and the new Tribute to Grace tasting room in Los Alamos is a gem. My Dad declared this was his favorite wine ever and my mom is from nearby Cucamonga, so let’s just say everyone was happy. For that reason, wine of our trip out west after not seeing the folks for 18 months. As always, just incredibly elegant Grenache, light on its feet, but not without its nuanced power — 5 years ago

Jonathan Bensick

9.3

Bell’s Los Alamos is the best French restaurant in Southern California, and the wine list never disappoints. — 5 years ago

Matthew Cohen

9.1

N cherry cough syrup a bit. Cranberry.
P almost dusty. Solid. Good cherry. Subtly herbs.

Grapevine 40 — a month ago

romo

9.1

Kind of correct, surprisingly. Super-drinkable at maturity. — 8 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Toccata – Dolcetto Fresco / 2023
Santa Barbara County AVA – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Inspired by Italy’s playful Vino Novello tradition, this is a spirited, fruit-forward expression of Dolcetto made in Santa Barbara County. Produced from 100% estate-grown fruit sourced from the Lucas & Lewellen family’s Los Alamos Valley vineyards, this wine also marks an important milestone for the winery as their first bottling crafted using carbonic maceration. The result is a lively, aromatic, and freshness-driven red that feels immediate and vibrant.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red cherries lead the profile, supported by delicate clove spice and aromatic herbal tones. Juicy fruit character remains at the forefront, balanced by subtle savory nuances that add dimension without weighing the wine down.

Mouthfeel
Light-bodied and energetic with soft tannins and refreshing acidity. The texture is supple and easygoing, finishing crisp, clean, and irresistibly moreish.

Food Pairings
Charcuterie boards, margherita pizza, grilled sausages, roasted chicken, or simple pasta dishes with herbs and olive oil.

Verdict
A joyful, modern take on Dolcetto that prioritizes freshness, drinkability, and charm. Light, expressive, and versatile, this is a red wine built for casual enjoyment while still offering varietal character and balance.

Did You Know?
Carbonic maceration, famously used in Beaujolais, emphasizes primary fruit aromas and freshness while softening tannins—making wines like this ideal for chilling slightly and drinking young. — a year ago

Ted Holland

9.2

Wasn’t sure what to expect but Wow!! The nose on this one is strong and classic, think about an English saddle and then double it! Then take a sip, OMG, a red fruit juice bomb with a smokey delicious velvety texture that just won’t stop. It’s big and bold. Can’t wait to share a bottle with friends! — 4 years ago

Roberto Carli

9.2

Balanced Wine, nose leads with dark fruit and spice, black cherry especially. No noticeable new oak but perhaps there is a touch, pallet leads with sour cherry, a touch of strawberry, lots of bitter herbs on the finish, tannins that are more flavorful than textural — 4 years ago

Justin Lintz

9.2

Good everyday — 5 years ago

Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

9.1

Diatom’s 2009 Chardonnay Bar-M, from vineyards in Los Alamos, is a gorgeous wine and a fabulous value. Tangerine oil, white flowers and light tropical accents give this curvy, airy Santa Barbara Chardonnay so much appeal. Breezy saline notes linger on the wonderfully inviting finish. $25.00 (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, October 2020) — 6 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Toccata – Riserva Red Blend – 2020
Santa Barbara County – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview:
A Super-Tuscan–inspired red blend from Santa Barbara County, built on a Cabernet Sauvignon–led composition of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Merlot, Freisa, and Petit Verdot. Italian varieties thrive in the cooler Los Alamos Valley sites, while French varieties contribute structure from warmer hillside vineyards, creating a rounded, balanced wine that reflects both Old World inspiration and regional California expression.

Aromas & Flavors:
Ripe red and black cherry, plum, dried herbs, subtle baking spice, and a touch of earthy nuance. Sangiovese and Freisa add savory lift while Cabernet anchors the fruit core.

Mouthfeel:
Medium-plus body with supple, polished tannins and integrated acidity. Smooth and approachable, yet structured enough to hold its shape at the table.

Food Pairings:
Grilled meats, herb-roasted chicken, lamb chops, mushroom risotto, pasta with tomato-based sauces, and semi-aged Italian cheeses.

Verdict:
A thoughtfully composed, approachable Super-Tuscan–style blend that balances complexity with drinkability. Versatile, food-friendly, and expressive of Santa Barbara County’s diverse terroirs.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight:
I enjoy this wine for its balance and versatility, it delivers Italian-inspired nuance without heaviness, making it an easy yet thoughtful choice for casual dinners or relaxed evenings when I want complexity without intensity. — 7 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

occata Classico 2020
Santa Barbara County AVA, California 🇺🇸

Overview
A uniquely Italian-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and the very rare Piedmontese grape Freisa. Grapes are sourced from Los Alamos Vineyard (66%) and Valley View Vineyard (34%), both within Santa Barbara County. This cuvée reflects the region’s versatility and pays homage to Old World traditions with a distinctly Californian expression. Extremely approachable and crowd-pleasing, it’s a true bridge between Italian heritage and California winemaking.

Aromas & Flavors
On the nose, dark cherry, ripe plum, and dried roses are lifted by subtle baking spices and a hint of tobacco leaf. The palate continues with layers of blackberry, cassis, and a whisper of earthy leather, with Freisa adding a rustic twist of red berries and herbal undertones.

Mouthfeel
Medium-to-full bodied with velvety tannins, balanced acidity, and a polished structure. It feels plush and seamless, finishing long yet inviting, with a touch of savory spice.

Winemaking Notes
A thoughtful blend composition highlighting both classic Bordeaux varieties and the rare Italian Freisa, fermented and aged in French oak to achieve elegance while preserving fruit vibrancy.

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with osso buco, Tuscan-style grilled steak, roasted lamb, or rich tomato-based pasta. Also versatile enough for charcuterie and hard cheeses.

Verdict
A standout example of Santa Barbara’s Italian-driven winemaking spirit. Elegant, smooth, and versatile — this blend is both serious and fun, making it perfect for casual gatherings yet polished enough to impress the connoisseur. — 10 months ago

Martinez

9.0

Entry-level Chardonnay by the legendary Jim Clendenen - perhaps the most important name in Santa Barbara wine- from three different sites in Santa Barbara County—Bien Nacido, Rancho Vinedo and Los Alamos. Barrel fermented and aged for 8 months in French oak barrels. Clean, pure nose with aromas of lemon zest, minerals (crushed stone, flint) and some vanilla and buttery notes. Fresh, bright, slightly saline, with plenty of acidity and lemony flavors. Great balance. Excellent value ⚡️ — 4 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Featured in the film “Sideways,” blend of Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Rita Hills and Los Alamos vineyards, Ruby with aromas of red fruits and spice, aged French and Hungarian oak (45% new). On the palate flavors of juicy cherry and currants with tea and smoky spice, great balance and structure. Fine soft tannins, long savory finish ending with fruit and spice character. Very nice! — 5 years ago

Dave Schneider

9.3

This is quite a special wine. I don’t care what the others rated this. I like it. Purchased on my trip to Santa Barbara almost 6 years ago. Now I remember why I bought it at the tasting room. Nice floral bouquet, slightly acidic, light translucent color with less than 13 percent alcohol (that’s a good thing). Very good structure that would suggest this wine is in the middle innings and can probably last a few more years — 5 years ago

Mike Matsumoto

8.9

久しぶりに飲むカリフォルニアピノ。鴨のコンフィを買ってきたので開けました。一人で飲むにはちょっと高めのワインです。三ツ矢酒店税別4000円。
10年ものでガーネット色がいい感じ。家で数年寝かせました。ピノらしいベリー系の香り、酸と甘味のバランス、タンニンによるアフターも申し分なし。鴨によく合います。ああ、おいしい。 — 6 years ago