Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/68310
iginals Wines of Character Lafond 2009 Sta. Rita Hills "SRH" Chardonnay speaks to the marine soil in which it's grown. Winemaker Bruce McGuire nurtures a common thread in his wines. His signature of ripeness with balanced acidity shows itself in the Santa Barbara Winery portfolio as much as it does in the plush nature of his Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay, Pinot Noirs and Syrah. Lafond 2009 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir (SRP $27) A plush, tannic struc- ture with a ripe core and an immediate velvety tactile sensation defines this Pinot Noir. The fruit is pretty: blueberry and boysenberry denseness with charming, cleansing acidity. There's no doubt this wine possesses verve: Its edginess walks the line on the winery's common thread of ripeness and acidity. Lee Schlesinger, Director of Marketing for importer/marketer Winesellers Ltd. (far left), flew out from Chicago to gather with winemaker Bruce McGuire, Pierre Lafond, David Lafond and Michelle Lafond. Photographed at Lafond Winery in Santa Barbara's Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Santa Barbara Winery 2010 Syrah, Santa Ynez Valley (SRP $20) The alluring blue flowers and rich black plums, sweet tobacco and cigar tip are some of the complex flavors that arrive, but an underscore of phero- mones and feral notes place this wine into the structure department. Santa Barbara Winery and Lafond Winery are distributed and marketed by Winesellers, Ltd. For more details, go to winesellersltd.com. june 2012 / the tasting panel / 95