Byron

Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir

8.7356 ratings
8.724 pro ratings
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, USA
Pinot Noir
Turkey, Game, Exotic Spices, Soft Cheese, Duck, Goose, Salads & Greens, Potato, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, White Rice, Pasta, Herbs, Nuts & Seeds, Mushrooms, Chicken, Meaty & Oily Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Stew, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Salami & Prosciutto, Salmon, Quinoa, Shellfish
Top Notes For
Byron C Mayes

Clear ruby in the glass. Red fruit and weak tea on the nose. Echoed on the palate with dark red cherry, an herby mid-palate, and a dark peaty finish. Smooth on entry giving way to sneaky medium tannins after some air. And you definitely want to give it some air, especially if you’re having this with a meal. I’ve gotten used to the higher-end stuff from Byron (Nielsen Vineyard, Monument, etc.) so this shocked me at first with a candy-like countenance. This blew away after essentially an in-glass decanting and the wine showed its true, mealworthiness. The acidity and structure just might hang on long enough for the fruit to settle back into something worth the wait (a reward at the ten-year mark?). Still, you won’t be faulted for drinking up now while you give your Monuments another year or two. Just be sure you decant. No, really. Decant.

Clear ruby in the glass. Red fruit and weak tea on the nose. Echoed on the palate with dark red cherry, an herby mid-palate, and a dark peaty finish. Smooth on entry giving way to sneaky medium tannins after some air. And you definitely want to give it some air, especially if you’re having this with a meal. I’ve gotten used to the higher-end stuff from Byron (Nielsen Vineyard, Monument, etc.) so this shocked me at first with a candy-like countenance. This blew away after essentially an in-glass decanting and the wine showed its true, mealworthiness. The acidity and structure just might hang on long enough for the fruit to settle back into something worth the wait (a reward at the ten-year mark?). Still, you won’t be faulted for drinking up now while you give your Monuments another year or two. Just be sure you decant. No, really. Decant.

Aug 31st, 2018
Daniel P. Drake

Tonight I am having the 2013 Byron Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County. Upon first opening I get some real good fruit that makes me want to jump right into tasting. On the nose I get chery, red raspberry, cranberry, clove, caramel, and wet leaves. On the palate the fruit from the nose continues right on through. I get tart cherries, raspberries, and cranberries. There is a good fresh smooth mouthfeel with medium + acidity and Medium tannins. I really like the good long finish this wine provides. I purchased this for $ 17.99 that I feel is a good QPR.

Tonight I am having the 2013 Byron Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County. Upon first opening I get some real good fruit that makes me want to jump right into tasting. On the nose I get chery, red raspberry, cranberry, clove, caramel, and wet leaves. On the palate the fruit from the nose continues right on through. I get tart cherries, raspberries, and cranberries. There is a good fresh smooth mouthfeel with medium + acidity and Medium tannins. I really like the good long finish this wine provides. I purchased this for $ 17.99 that I feel is a good QPR.

2 people found it helpfulJun 12th, 2015
Andrew Lampasone

Owner Wine Watch Selections

8.5

Light and fruity style with a fresh finish notes of spice and pretty floal notes

Light and fruity style with a fresh finish notes of spice and pretty floal notes

1 person found it helpfulJan 28th, 2015
Stephanie Hinze

Let it breathe. Nice florals but kind of tart. Nothing super fancy- still great for the airport!

Let it breathe. Nice florals but kind of tart. Nothing super fancy- still great for the airport!

1 person found it helpfulJul 27th, 2014
Matt Duncan

Good cranberry fruit, to light raspberry. A bit closed and short today, but well placed tannins suggest room for improvement on another occasion.

Good cranberry fruit, to light raspberry. A bit closed and short today, but well placed tannins suggest room for improvement on another occasion.

Feb 18th, 2016
Antoine Pin

Wine Buyer Kroger/QFC

9.1

Gone in 10 minutes!!

Gone in 10 minutes!!

Aug 27th, 2015
Austin Baird

Not super fond of, bigger, jammy, touch of leather.

Not super fond of, bigger, jammy, touch of leather.

Jul 10th, 2015
Aaron Means

Black cherry, strawberry, tar

Black cherry, strawberry, tar

May 13th, 2015
Joey Mcglumphy

Great floral base. Can't get enough.

Great floral base. Can't get enough.

Jan 15th, 2015
Scott T

VP/Senior Wine Specialist Christie's

8.8

Alive and well. Very pleased with this value buy.
Presently being offered in our Christie's on-line auction in NYC.

Alive and well. Very pleased with this value buy.
Presently being offered in our Christie's on-line auction in NYC.

Nov 28th, 2014