Also from the Sta. Rita Hills, and from a vineyard that continues to impress, the 2012 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict is one of the few 2012s that will benefit from short-term cellaring. Offering classic pear, apple blossom, chamomile and a distinct salty minerality, this beauty has medium-bodied richness, solid mid-palate depth and bright acidity. It should be at its best from 2015-2019. Looking at the Pinot Noirs, all of the 2012s shows beautiful purity and integrated acidity, with a big slant toward the lighter textured, elegant end of the spectrum. Tel. (805) 686-3086; www.sandhiwines.com

Light yellow-gold. Vibrant, mineral-laced aromas of Meyer lemon, pear and jasmine, with a touch of iodine emerging with aeration. Juicy and precise, offering fresh orchard and citrus fruit flavors underscored by a chalky mineral quality that adds lift and cut. Fleshes out with air and finishes sappy and long, with a hint of toasty lees and resonating minerality.

Beautifully delicate smoke and well defined apricot fruit. Sophisticated, light bodied but full of intense flavour. An appreciable step up from their Santa Barbara County Chardonnay. (RH)

They usually buy in from the far west. Stone fruit and stones in the wine. Very dry and firm. Maybe just slightly short of juice. But very clean and lean. (JR)