Over five decades ago Uriel Nielson saw the cool terrain of Santa Barbara and said, I can grow grapes here. I am sure some thought he was crazy because at the time the region was considered too cool to grow grapes, but Nielson saw it as the ideal place to grow two key varieties that thrive in cool temperatures, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Today the Nielson wines shine as approachable, varietally correct examples of these two loved varieties thanks to the influence of the Pacific Ocean that benefits from evening fog to keep grapes cool, and then an early fog burnoff in the morning allowing sunshine-filled days to ripen delicate fruit. Nielson Pinot Noir ($19) layers ripe black cherry, blackberry, and cherry with black tea, fragrant violets and roses, and a touch of earthiness. The finish is toasty with caramel and spice notes, enhanced by twelve months of French oak aging. #Cheers