
Review by Steven A. Manick- TheWineTaster.comSunstone, located on the southern end of the Santa Ynez Valley produces what I feel is among the best across-the-board selection of wines in the area. The ranch-style tasting room appears to be a leftover from an old Spanish western movie, and the interior even includes an antique kitchen with a wood-burning stove.
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There are two tastings: a standard and reserve. I would suggest that you splurge for the the reserve. I have found that Sunstone's tasting room staff is among the friendliest and most acommodating anywhere, which adds to any wine-tasting experience. There is a central courtyard in which you can picnic or enjoy a bottle of wine.
Wine Notes: The Viogner was rich in honeydew, citrus and nutmeg, a very good Sauvignon Blanc had aromas of pears and apricots with a honey finish. Their unfiltered Chardonnay had aromas of pears, apples and pineapples with a vanilla finish and the Chardonnay Reserve was medium-bodied with aromas of pineapple and baked apple. The Merlot Reserve, one of my favorites, had flavors of plum, berry and mint with a long-lasting mint finish. A Bordeaux blend called Eros had big blackberry and cassis flavors and a Muscat Canelli exhibited intense peach and apricot aromas. Sunstone is a Certified Organic Vineyard and the Viognier and all reda are estate-grown. |